(KNSI) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is cracking down on illegal online gambling, targeting 14 offshore websites that operate without state oversight.
Earlier this week, the AG’s office sent letters to those running the websites and directing them to stop offering service in the state. Ellison claims they’re violating Minnesota consumer protection laws on deceptive, fraudulent, unfair or unconscionable practices. The letter tells the companies to stop offering service to state residents by December 1st, 2025.
These websites include social sweepstakes casinos that use virtual coins to play casino games for cash and prizes, as well as websites offering sports betting, poker, and other types of gambling.
“Illegal online casinos and sweepstakes sites make big promises but deliver only risk to Minnesota consumers,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “Most are based outside the United States to avoid laws, regulation and enforcement measures. There’s no accountability, no protection for players and no way to know if the betting will be run fairly. Through our Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division, we will work with the Attorney General to hold these operators accountable, protect Minnesotans and ensure the integrity of Minnesota’s gaming industry.”
The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety sent letters to these same 14 sites in June to alert them to potential criminal-law violations arising from online gambling, particularly social sweepstakes casinos. None of the companies stopped offering their service.
The attorney general’s office says unregulated gambling leaves consumers without important protections. If consumers wager on an illegal site, they have no guarantee that they will be paid what they win, that the contest will not be rigged, or that they will be able to get their money back if they are not treated fairly.
The AG’s letter doesn’t say what action the state would take if the companies don’t stop.
The Attorney General’s Office sent letters to:
– VG LuckyLand
– Zula Casino
– Fortune Coins
– BetAnySports
– BetUs
– XBet
– BetNow
– BetWhale
– EveryGame Sportsbook
– BetOnline
– Slotsandcasino
– Bovada
– MyBookie.com
– Sportsbetting.com
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