Minnesota Warns Sweepstakes Casinos, But Can’t Enforce Compliance

Minnesota has joined the growing list of U.S. states targeting sweepstakes casinos, but unlike others, it lacks the legal tools to enforce action.

According to agent Jon Anglin of the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGE), the department contacted over 20 sweepstakes and offshore operators since June up until today, requesting they cease or modify services in the state.

No Cease-and-Desist Authority

Unlike Arizona, New York, or Louisiana, Minnesota cannot issue formal cease-and-desist letters. AGE considers online sweepstakes casinos illegal under state law, but its enforcement power only applies to licensed entities—which most social casino operators are not.

Any further legal action would require the involvement of the Attorney General’s office or outside law enforcement.

No Operators Have Exited—Yet

To date, no sweepstakes or offshore casino has withdrawn from Minnesota. Operators reportedly contacted by AGE include:

• VGW (Chumba, LuckyLand, Global Poker)
• McLuck
• Stake.us
• Fortune Coins
• ReBet
• Zula
• Golden Hearts Games

None currently list Minnesota as a restricted jurisdiction in their Terms of Service.

Even Bovada, an offshore operator that exited other states after receiving C&Ds, continues to operate in Minnesota.

Limited Leverage, No iGaming Framework

Minnesota does not offer online casinos, online poker, or sports betting. With no licensing framework in place and no plans for legalization, the only deterrent is vague: noncompliance may be considered if licenses are offered in the future—a weak incentive at best.

Minnesota regulators are signaling concern, but their inability to issue C&Ds makes enforcement unlikely. Without new legislation or legal escalation, sweepstakes casinos remain active in the state.

For now, Minnesota players continue to access sweeps platforms uninterrupted—despite state opposition.

Reference:

• Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Alcohol and Gaming Enforcement