Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced that his office has shut down multiple illegal online sweepstakes casinos operating in the state, marking a significant step in an ongoing effort to protect consumers from unregulated and predatory gambling platforms.
Online sweepstakes casinos typically offer casino‑style games—such as slots, table games, and bingo—using two forms of virtual currency. While one currency is designated for “sweepstakes” play, the other can be redeemed for cash or real‑world prizes. Regulators say this dual‑currency model is designed to disguise real‑money gambling. Under Tennessee law, these promotional sweepstakes systems constitute illegal lotteries and violate both gambling and consumer‑protection statutes.
The Attorney General issued cease‑and‑desist letters to nearly forty platforms operating unlawfully in the state. All recipients have either disabled the illegal components of their sites or agreed to wind down operations in the coming weeks, effectively shutting down their sweepstakes casino offerings.
“The only thing you can be sure about with an online sweepstakes casino is that it’s going to take your money,” Attorney General Skrmetti said. He added that these operators “work hard to make these sweepstakes casinos look legitimate,” but ultimately avoid the oversight necessary to ensure fairness. Skrmetti said his office was “glad to chase these shady operations out of Tennessee” and will continue working to protect residents from illegal gambling.
Tennessee’s action aligns with similar enforcement efforts in other states. Skrmetti noted that the national crackdown reflects growing concern over companies using sweepstakes branding as a loophole to run unregulated gambling operations. He warned that any sweepstakes casinos still operating in Tennessee—or considering entering the market—should view this as a clear signal that illegal gambling will not be tolerated.
Platforms That Received Cease‑and‑Desist Orders
- American Luck
- Cazino
- Chanced
- Chumba
- Crown Coins Casino
- Fortune Coins
- Fortune Wheelz
- Funrize
- FunzCity
- Global Poker
- Golden Hearts Games
- Hello Millions
- High 5 Casino
- iCasino
- Jackpota
- Legendz
- LoneStar
- Luckyland
- McLuck
- Mega Bonanza
- MegaFrenzy
- Modo
- Moonspin
- NoLimitCoins
- PlayFame
- Punt
- RealPrize
- Rolla
- SpinBlitz
- Sportzino
- Spree Social Casino
- Stake
- StormRush
- Tao Fortune
- The Money Factory
- WOW Vegas
- Yay Casino
- Zula Casino
Individuals seeking help with problem gambling can call or text the Tennessee REDLINE at 1‑800‑889‑9789, a free and confidential 24/7 resource. Additional support is available through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services.
