The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has taken enforcement action against the “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,” a promotion offering participants a chance to win a luxury $1.3 million Arizona home. Cease-and-desist orders were issued to Raffall, a UK-based platform, and an Arizona resident operating the campaign through the website winthisazhome.com.
According to the ADG’s investigation, the sweepstakes required individuals to purchase entries, with the promise of a prize — either the transfer of the advertised property or a cash alternative — depending on the total number of entries sold. The Department concluded that this structure was designed to generate profit, a defining characteristic of illegal gambling under state law.
In response, Raffall has been directed to remove any Arizona-facing gambling promotions, and the local resident involved has been ordered to immediately stop all activities related to unlawful gambling.
“Sweepstakes” Label Doesn’t Equal Legal
The Department made it clear that labeling a promotion as a “sweepstakes” doesn’t exempt it from legal scrutiny.
“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity.”
In Arizona, gambling is only legal when explicitly authorized by law. Raffles are strictly limited to Arizona-based, tax-exempt charitable organizations, and organizers are prohibited from profiting personally. Additionally, participants must be 21 or older to legally engage in gambling activities in the state.
Legal Violations Identified
The Department found several legal issues with the operation, including:
- It was run for personal profit, not by a qualified nonprofit.
- It allowed participation by users potentially under the legal age of 21.
- The platform used, Raffall, is a foreign entity not subject to U.S. or Arizona gambling regulations.
In addition to violating general gambling prohibitions under A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 33, the operation could also constitute felony offenses such as:
- Promotion of Gambling – A.R.S. § 13-3303
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise – A.R.S. § 13-2312
- Money Laundering – A.R.S. § 13-2317
ADG Urges Public Vigilance
With the rise of unregulated gambling online, ADG advises consumers to exercise caution when engaging in any form of gaming. Licensed and regulated platforms are essential to ensuring fairness, data protection, and accountability.
For those who may have already purchased entries in the sweepstakes, the Department advises:
- Cease participation immediately.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute the charges.
- Monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
- Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov or RobodeIdentidad.gov.
While ADG cannot assist with individual refund claims, it encourages consumers to contact their financial institutions or seek legal guidance. Complaints can also be filed with the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or azag.gov/consumer.
Source:
“Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”, Press Release. Sep 9, 2025.
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