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Minnesota AG Targets Unlicensed Operators in Enforcement Action
The action, announced Wednesday, represents the second round of enforcement efforts against these operators. All 14 sites previously received letters in June from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division, instructing them to cease operations or modify their business practices to comply with Minnesota laws.
The division lacked the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders, limiting the effectiveness of its initial warnings. With the Attorney General’s office now involved, operators face potential criminal violations and serious consequences, including lawsuits seeking injunction relief.
Operators Face December 1 Deadline
The 14 operators targeted in the enforcement action include VG LuckyLand, Zula Casino, Fortune Coins, BetAnySports, BetUS, XBet, BetNow, BetWhale, EveryGame Sportsbook, BetOnline, Slotsandcasino, Bovada, MyBookie, and Sportsbetting.com.
These operators must cease all operations and marketing in Minnesota by December 1 or face civil penalties, restitution, and injunctions from the state.
State Officials Emphasize Consumer Protection
Attorney General Ellison made clear that online gambling remains prohibited in Minnesota despite the presence of offshore operators in the market.
“Online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not. Trying to rebrand poker chips as virtual currencies does not change the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful. By continuing to operate online gambling sites in Minnesota, these operators are likely openly defying our State’s laws, and I will not stand for it.”
Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General
Ellison thanked Commissioner Jacobsen and the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division for partnering with his office on the enforcement action.
Bob Jacobson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, highlighted the risks posed by unlicensed operators to Minnesota consumers.
“Illegal online casinos and sweepstakes sites make big promises but deliver only risk to Minnesota consumers. Most are based outside the United States to avoid laws, regulation and enforcement measures. There’s no accountability, no protection for players and no way to know if the betting will be run fairly. Through our Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division, we will work with the Attorney General to hold these operators accountable, protect Minnesotans and ensure the integrity of Minnesota’s gaming industry.”
Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Minnesota’s Regulatory Framework
State law currently prohibits real-money online casinos and sports betting in Minnesota. Retail casino gambling is legal in the state but is limited to tribal casinos. Minnesota also authorizes horse racing, the lottery, and charitable gambling.
The enforcement action targets online sweepstakes casinos and offshore entities for breaching Minnesota’s consumer protection laws, particularly concerning fraud and deceptive practices.
Part of National Enforcement Trend
Minnesota joins a growing list of states cracking down on unlicensed sweepstakes casinos and offshore operators. The Washington State Gambling Commission sent a cease-and-desist order to Bovada in September after the site ignored the regulator’s first request to exit the state. The commission has also sent cease-and-desist orders to MyBookie and BetOnline.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the Arizona Department of Gaming, and the Michigan Gaming Control Board are also taking action against unlicensed sweepstakes casinos and offshore sites by sending their own cease-and-desist orders.
Source: Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
