A formal notice from a state attorney general or gaming regulator ordering a sweepstakes casino operator to stop offering services to residents of that state, typically issued before statutory legislation takes effect.
Cease-and-desist letters are the primary pre-legislative enforcement tool US states use against sweepstakes casino operators. The letter asserts that the operator's platform violates existing state gambling statutes (even before a dual-currency-specific ban exists) and demands that the operator withdraw service to state residents under threat of civil or criminal action. Major 2025-2026 cease-and-desist actions include the Louisiana Gaming Control Board's June 17, 2025 notices to 40+ operators, and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti's December 2025 letters to nearly 40 operators. Most recipients voluntarily exclude the state within 30-60 days rather than litigate. For affiliate review sites, a state receiving cease-and-desist activity typically warrants treatment as de facto restricted, even without a codified statutory ban.
No. A cease-and-desist is an enforcement action based on an AG's interpretation of existing law. A statutory ban requires legislation passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor. States often use cease-and-desist first, then codify a ban afterward.
The state AG or gaming regulator can file civil action, seek injunctions, assess penalties, or refer the matter for criminal prosecution depending on state law. Most operators exit voluntarily because affiliate networks and payment processors refuse to serve operators under active enforcement.
US federal and state regulations that govern sweepstakes promotions, enabling sweepstakes casinos to operate legally.
US states where sweepstakes casinos are either prohibited or have limited operations due to state-specific gambling laws.
A category of 2025-2026 US state laws that specifically target online platforms using two currencies — one promotional, one redeemable — by defining the combination itself as illegal gambling by computer.
Enforcement actions taken by a US state attorney general's office against online gambling or sweepstakes operators, typically including cease-and-desist letters, formal legal opinions, and civil actions for consumer-protection violations.