Minnesota has intensified its enforcement against illegal gambling operations, as AG Keith Ellison reissued cease-and-desist orders to 14 unlicensed online gambling platforms accused of violating state consumer protection laws. The move targets both social sweepstakes casinos and offshore betting operators that have continued offering gambling services to Minnesota residents despite previous warnings.
Renewed Action Against Illegal Gambling Platforms
On Wednesday, Ellison’s office confirmed that letters were resent to operators in the state, example of the versions can be found for social sweepstakes casinos and undisguised gambling websites. These entities, Ellison said, may be engaging in “deceptive, fraudulent, unfair or unconscionable practices” that violate Minnesota law. The renewed letters follow an earlier round of notices sent in June that went unheeded.
The operators named include VG LuckyLand, Zula Casino, Fortune Coins, BetAnySports, BetUs, XBet, BetNow, BetWhale, EveryGame Sportsbook, BetOnline, Slotsandcasino, Bovada, MyBookie.com, and Sportsbetting.com. Each was warned of potential criminal and civil penalties, including injunctions and fines of up to $25,000 per violation, as well as possible restitution or disgorgement of profits gained from illegal gambling activity.
“Online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not,” said Attorney General Ellison. “Trying to rebrand poker chips as virtual currencies does not change the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful. By continuing to operate online gambling sites in Minnesota, these operators are likely openly defying our State’s laws and I will not stand for it.”
Minnesota’s Gambling Laws and Consumer Protection Focus
Online gambling, including casinos and sports betting, remains illegal in Minnesota. The state allows only limited forms of wagering such as the lottery, licensed charitable gambling, pari-mutuel betting on horses, and tribal gaming. Retail casino gambling is legal but strictly confined to tribal operations.
The Attorney General’s office and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGE) have been working together to address violations. AGE had initially contacted the same operators in June to warn them of possible criminal law breaches and urged compliance with Minnesota’s wagering laws.
“Illegal online casinos and sweepstakes sites make big promises but deliver only risk to Minnesota consumers,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “Most are based outside the United States to avoid laws, regulation and enforcement measures. There’s no accountability, no protection for players and no way to know if the betting will be run fairly.”
A Broader National Crackdown
Minnesota’s actions mirror similar enforcement efforts across the United States. In recent months, regulatory bodies in Washington, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Michigan have issued their own cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed operators like Bovada, MyBookie, and BetOnline. These agencies share a common concern: that unregulated gambling websites expose consumers to significant risks without any legal safeguards or oversight.
Unlicensed sites often operate beyond U.S. jurisdiction, leaving players vulnerable to fraud and unfair practices. Without state regulation, consumers lack any guarantee of fair play, payment security, or legal recourse in the event of disputes. Ellison emphasized that his office will continue working to protect Minnesotans from such deceptive and illegal operations.
Source:
“Attorney General Ellison directs illegal gambling websites to stop offering services in Minnesota”, ag.state.mn.us. November 5, 2025
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