Smiles Casino Marks First Sweeps Exit from Illinois Amid Record Cease-and-Desist Issuance

It’s the end of the road for Smiles Casino as it officially closes shop in Illinois, in response to an order from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and the state’s Attorney General. 

On February 5th 2026, this 10 Ten Gaming LLC-owned sweepstakes casino platform became one of the dozens of sites targeted by closure orders. According to the state’s gaming board, Smiles runs “an illegal online casino operation, and demands immediate suspension of gaming activities and restricts players’ access to the platform.10 Ten Gaming LLC swiftly responded: the site’s T&Cs now include Illinois in its list of restricted states based on its February 17th update.

Smiles Casino Is One of the Recipients of IGB’s Cease-and-Desist Letters

Over 60 cease-and-desist letters were issued to online casino and sweepstakes operators on this day, highlighting their gaming products and services that violate the state’s criminal law. Smiles Casino is one of the respondents, with the IGB’s letter charging the operator with illegal casino operations, and asking it to block local players and stop offering casino-style games.

Specifically, the IGB charges Smiles for violating Illinois Criminal Code. 720 ILCS 5/28 1(a)(12), by offering its players the ability to play slots on the internet or mobile devices, and that these games allow them “to win cash, gift cards, and other prizes in violation of Illinois law”.

IGB’s letter further explains that the state only allows select gaming facilities, like riverboat casinos, and that Smiles Casino “is neither licensed nor authorized”.

The letter further demands that the sweepstakes casino operator immediately block Illinois residents from accessing the site and discontinue the games or risk civil or criminal penalties.

Illinois Surprised the Industry With a Rush of Cease-and-Desist Letters

The deluge of letters starting on the first week of February marked the largest known presence of such letters in any state. Last June, Lousiana also issued arond 30 cease-and-desist letters, and much earlier, New York also shared its decision to close down 26 sweepstakes casino operators. Interestingly, the 60-plus orders where announced immediately after the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) reiterated its commitment to maintaining the safety and integrity of gambling in Illinois.

As of this writing, no other sweepstakes casino platforms have followed Smiles Casino out of Illinois. However, we expect the other platforms to respond accordingly, and comply with IGB’s or completely shut down their local operations.

REFERENCES

• Illinois Gaming Board (IGB)