Illinois users of Stake.us can no longer access games from Evolution or several smaller studios, raising concerns about the state becoming a new focal point for sweepstakes casino regulation. Evolution’s live dealer games and subsidiary slot studios, including NetEnt, Red Tiger, NoLimit City, Big Time Gaming, and Sneaky Slots, are among those removed. Other smaller studios, such as 24/7 Reels and Fat Panda, are also unavailable. This sudden withdrawal has left many players seeking clarity about the future availability of these games and the broader implications for sweepstakes platforms in the state.
Evolution’s Cautious State-By-State Approach
During its Q3 earnings call, Evolution CEO Martin Carlesund outlined the company’s selective approach in the U.S. sweepstakes market. He said the group only offers products: “in states where it is not prohibited or where there are no legal uncertainties.” Carlesund added, “If any regulator or authority would send a letter… stating ‘don’t do it here,’ we would immediately go away.”
The company’s stance illustrates why content can vanish in one state while remaining live elsewhere, as suppliers move proactively ahead of potential enforcement. He also emphasized that this approach allows the company to maintain compliance without challenging regulators, even if no formal laws exist explicitly banning the games in a given state.
California Precedent Informs Strategy
Stake.us has seen similar withdrawals before. In 2025, Evolution and other major studios removed content from the platform in California following a lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles City Attorney, in which Evolution was also a defendant. Studios including Booming Games, Fat Panda, Just Slots, and Live88 also withdrew. California was concurrently advancing legislation that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law, banning sweepstakes casinos statewide. The episode shows suppliers often act preemptively when enforcement risks rise.
Illinois Changes Mirror Broader Trends
Reports suggest that Evolution content may also be absent from Spinquest, though this remains unverified. On Modo, Evolution remains available, andPunt.com continues offering live dealer games. Separately, sweepstakes operator ToraTora plans to exit Illinois entirely, shutting down on January 10, citing regulatory considerations.
While Illinois has not formally banned sweepstakes casinos or publicly taken enforcement action against Stake.us or its suppliers, the situation reflects a pattern seen in other states. In Tennessee, more than 30 sweepstakes platforms exited the state in November, only later confirmed to be due to attorney general enforcement. With states like Florida, Indiana, Maine, and Iowa preparing legislation targeting sweepstakes casinos, supplier withdrawals may increasingly occur without public announcements.
Industry observers say the Illinois developments highlight a growing caution among suppliers, who now consider potential legal and regulatory pressures before offering content. Players and platform operators are left adapting quickly to changing availability, signaling that regulatory uncertainty is shaping the sweepstakes casino landscape nationally.
The Illinois developments suggest platforms and suppliers are responding to potential regulatory pressure ahead of formal legal action, underscoring the evolving and cautious approach in the U.S. sweepstakes casino market. Players in other states may see similar adjustments as operators and studios proactively manage compliance risks.
Source:
“Evolution, Smaller Studios Unavailable on Stake.us for Illinois Players”, gamblinginsider.com, January 6, 2026
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