Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has filed lawsuits against several major sweepstakes casino operators, including Stake, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand, and Global Poker, aiming to halt their operations and recover funds that consumers reportedly lost.
The lawsuits were submitted in Hillsborough County and focus on the operators' dual currency model. According to the complaints, customers purchase bundles of virtual "Gold Coins," which are accompanied by "Sweep Coins" that can be used to play various casino games such as poker, blackjack, and slot machines.
Uthmeier stated, "If it looks like a casino, takes real money like a casino, and pays out like a casino, it is a casino, and it is illegal under Florida law." The attorney general asserts that marketing these services as sweepstakes does not exempt them from Florida's gambling laws.
In addition, Florida is seeking permanent injunctions from New York courts against these operators, demanding the return of money to consumers who may have incurred losses while using their services. The state also claims that these operators have violated Florida's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Should the allegations be validated, the operators could face fines and be required to reimburse affected customers.
Florida’s legal action mirrors similar lawsuits filed across several other U.S. states, including California, New York, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Louisiana, and Tennessee, where legislative or enforcement measures have been taken.
In Indiana, key players in the industry, such as Chumba Casino, Stake.us, McLuck, WOW Vegas, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, have suspended or ceased operations following the implementation of House Bill 1052.
