Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed two lawsuits against operators of prominent online sweepstakes casinos, including Stake and VGW’s Chumba Casino, LuckyLand, and Global Poker, along with the payment processors that facilitate their operations.
The complaints, lodged in Hillsborough County Circuit Court, accuse the defendants of running illegal online gambling enterprises in violation of Florida’s gambling statutes and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA).
“These so-called ‘sweepstakes’ and ‘social casinos’ are illegal online gambling operations,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “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. These companies have been preying on Floridians, including minors and seniors, with deceptive marketing and 24/7 access, while dodging our state’s licensing, taxation, and consumer-protection requirements. They must be stopped.”
If it looks like a casino, takes money like a casino, and pays out like a casino, it is a casino—and it’s illegal in Florida.
That’s why we’re suing predatory online gaming sites Stake and VGW to stop illegal gambling and recover money lost by Florida consumers. pic.twitter.com/JMboneyvxN
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) August 19, 2026
Complaints detail dual-currency structure
According to the filings, the defendants employ a dual-currency system that the state alleges was built to obscure real-money wagering. Under this structure, players purchase packages of “Gold Coins” bundled with “Stake Cash” or “Sweeps Coins.” The latter serve as redeemable wagering credits that customers can convert into cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash once minimal playthrough requirements are met.
The complaints further allege that the platforms offer standard casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, while marketing themselves as free, safe, and legal “social” entertainment. The state contends the operators promoted large purported payouts through celebrity and influencer campaigns.
Florida law limits gambling activity and permits slot machines only under specific circumstances at licensed facilities. Citing these restrictions, the lawsuits seek permanent injunctions barring the defendants from operating or soliciting business in Florida.
The state is also pursuing forfeiture and recovery of funds lost by Florida consumers, disgorgement of gains tied to the alleged operations, civil penalties under FDUTPA, restitution, and attorneys’ fees.