The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) has once again ordered VGW platforms Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots to cease offering sweepstakes and online casino play, citing violations of state law. The follow-up notices were sent on November 18, reinforcing prior warnings regarding the legality of these gaming operations.
Under Maryland law, legal online gambling is limited to online sports betting and fantasy contests. However, both Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots have continued offering online casino and sweepstakes gaming, with Chumba also permitting online poker activity. The MLGCC stated, “These offerings contain the elements of gaming: consideration, chance and prize; in other words, it is gaming.” The commission gave both operators 10 days to confirm how and when they will halt these activities.
Repeat Enforcement from Maryland
This is not the first time VGW has faced regulatory pressure in the state. Earlier this year, on March 17, Maryland issued similar cease-and-desist notices to the same two brands, also allowing a 10-day window for compliance. At that time, the commission warned that failure to follow the orders could affect Chumba and Luckyland’s ability to obtain future gaming licenses in Maryland.
VGW Scales Back Sweepstakes in Other States
Maryland is part of a broader wave of enforcement actions targeting social gaming operators this year. VGW, an Australian company and founding member of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), has seen scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions. Earlier legislative efforts to ban sweepstakes gaming in Maryland stalled in 2025, but regulators may revisit the issue in 2026.
Across the United States, VGW has responded by either withdrawing from certain states or shifting from dual-currency Sweeps Coins play to free Gold Coins play. In more than a dozen states—including Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, and New York—VGW has either halted sweepstakes or complied with bans, often after receiving cease-and-desist orders.
The previous week, VGW confirmed that it would phase out Sweeps Coins in West Virginia, moving to Gold Coins only. The company also revealed a similar shift in Tennessee, starting this month. A VGW spokesperson explained: “Following careful consideration, we can confirm we’ve informed players in Tennessee of a decision to phase out Promotional Play (sweepstakes promotions) in the state across our brands. However, our valued players in Tennessee will still be able to enjoy all their favorite free-to-play games using Gold Coins. We are 100 percent focused on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes and that this transition is as smooth as possible.”
Broader Regulatory Focus in Maryland
Maryland’s enforcement does not target sweepstakes alone. The MLGCC has also sent cease-and-desist orders to prediction market operators such as Kalshi, Crypto.com, and Robinhood. On November 19, the agency reminded all gaming licensees that engaging in sports event contracts constitutes illegal activity in the state and warned that participation could negatively impact their Maryland licenses.
Maryland’s persistent enforcement underscores the state’s vigilance over online gaming compliance and signals ongoing regulatory risks for operators offering unlicensed or sweepstakes-style gambling.
Source:
“Maryland tells VGW to shut down sweepstakes within 10 days… again”, mdmgaming.com, November 18, 2025
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