Illinois regulators have seen minimal early movement after launching an enforcement action against sweepstakes casino operators. Within two weeks of issuing 65 cease-and-desist letters, only two platforms — about 3% — had taken steps to block Illinois residents.
Earlier this month, the Illinois Gaming Board directed dozens of sweepstakes operators to stop serving players in the state. The letters warned that continued activity could expose companies to civil or criminal penalties under Illinois law. Despite that notice, most of the named platforms continue to operate in the market.
Few Operators Restrict Access
Of the 65 businesses identified in the enforcement sweep, only Jumbo 88 and JefeBet currently list Illinois as a prohibited jurisdiction in their terms and conditions. In a related development, Rolling Riches updated its terms to include Illinois among its ineligible states, although it did not appear on the regulator’s list.
Several prominent platforms were among those that received cease-and-desist notices, including Chumba, LuckyLand Slots, Stake.us, Modo, WOW Vegas, Fortune Coins and McLuck. As of the two-week mark, the majority had not adjusted their public-facing policies to reflect the regulator’s directive.
The limited compliance rate reflects challenges seen in other states that have attempted to curb sweepstakes-style gaming through administrative action alone.
Enforcement Efforts Vary Across States
Illinois’ experience mirrors uneven outcomes nationwide. In some jurisdictions, cease-and-desist campaigns have prompted broader withdrawals. Tennessee and West Virginia each saw more than 40 platforms exit after receiving similar notices.
Other states have encountered slower responses. During testimony on a proposed prohibition bill last month, Maryland’s gaming regulator reported sending 75 cease-and-desist orders, with roughly one-third of operators complying.
In certain cases, operators have left only after repeated enforcement measures. VGW withdrew from Delaware following a second cease-and-desist letter in 2025, two years after the first notice. Stake.us exited Maryland after receiving a second order as well.
In neighboring Indiana, discussion around sweepstakes gaming has highlighted legal ambiguity. During a January hearing onHB 1052, representatives from the Indiana Gaming Commission testified that sweepstakes casinos may not currently violate Indiana law. Their comments pointed to regulatory gray areas and fueled calls for explicit statutory language.
Legislative Path Remains Uncertain
While several states have introduced legislation to address sweepstakes models directly, Illinois has not filed a new standalone prohibition bill in 2026. The deadline for bill introductions passed on Feb. 6.
However, SB 1705, introduced in 2025, remains technically active under the state’s two-year legislative cycle. The proposal would amend Illinois gambling law by expanding the definition of illegal gambling devices and strengthening enforcement tools. Lawmakers referred the bill to committee last year, where it stalled without a vote. Because it was not defeated, it carries over into the current session.
For SB 1705 to remain viable in 2026, it would need to advance out of committee by March 17. Lawmakers could choose to revive it as debates over sweepstakes gaming continue.
With only a small fraction of targeted operators adjusting their policies so far, Illinois’ campaign may demonstrate whether cease-and-desist orders alone can significantly reduce sweepstakes activity or whether statutory changes will be required.
Source:
“Illinois Sweepstakes Crackdown Sees Just 3% Compliance in First Two Weeks After 65 C&D Letters”, gamblinginsider.com, February 17, 2026
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