Florida has taken legal action against several online casino operators and payment companies, arguing that their use of redeemable virtual currencies crosses the line into gambling prohibited under state law.
Attorney General James Uthmeier filed two complaints in Hillsborough County Circuit Court against Stake, VGW and its Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and Global Poker brands, as well as Yodlee, Trustly and Worldpay Holdco. The state wants the court to prevent the defendants from operating or soliciting customers in Florida.
The lawsuits also seek money lost by Florida consumers, alleged ill-gotten gains, civil penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, restitution and attorneys’ fees.
How The Dual-Currency System Works
At the center of the dispute is the way the platforms handle their virtual currencies. According to the complaints, customers buy packages containing “Gold Coins” alongside “Stake Cash” or “Sweepstakes Coins.”
Those redeemable credits can then be used on casino-style games. After meeting playthrough requirements, winnings can be exchanged for cryptocurrency, gift cards or cash, according to the allegations.
The sites offer games such as slots, blackjack, roulette and poker. The state argues that presenting these services as free or social entertainment does not change the nature of the activity when customers can purchase credits, wager them and receive redeemable winnings.
Uthmeier’s office also alleges that the operators advertise the games as “free,” “100% safe” and “100% legal.” The complaints point to 24/7 availability, credit-card and Apple Pay transactions, as well as celebrity and influencer promotions featuring purported large wins.
The state claims the dual-currency structure deliberately disguises real-money gambling. It also alleges that the businesses operate without the licensing and consumer protections required under Florida law.
Attorney General Seeks Permanent Restrictions
Uthmeier has characterized the businesses as illegal gambling operations and said their practices affect vulnerable Floridians, including minors and seniors.
His office said Florida law restricts gambling and allows slot machines only under limited circumstances at licensed facilities. The lawsuits therefore seek permanent injunctions against the defendants, along with financial remedies connected to consumer losses and alleged gains.
The cases also extend beyond the casino operators themselves. By naming Yodlee, Trustly and Worldpay Holdco, the lawsuits include payment companies that the state alleges helped facilitate the platforms’ operations.
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act forms another part of the state’s case. Officials allege that the defendants’ marketing and business practices deceive consumers while allowing the companies to avoid state licensing, taxation and consumer-protection requirements.
“These so-called ‘sweepstakes’ and ‘social casinos’ are illegal online gambling operations,” Uthmeier said. “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.”
Attorneys for the companies could not be reached for comment.
Source:
“Florida sues online casinos with ‘dual-currency model’”, local10.com, August 19, 2026
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