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Top lawmakers from all 50 states united to send a letter demanding federal action against offshore online casinos and sportsbooks. In contrast, sweepstakes casinos faced tough scrutiny from the American Gaming Association (AGA) and may be in their final days in a key iGaming state.
States Demad Action as Offshore Online Casinos Rake in Billions
The letter noted that illegal offshore gambling sites generate more than $400 billion in revenue annually. If that money flowed through legal online casinos and sportsbooks, states could collect more than $4 billion in tax revenue currently lost to illegal operators.
“Despite these staggering figures, enforcement has been scarce, only emboldening these illegal operators,” the letter noted.
Sweeps Casinos Under Fire as Users Believe Real Money’s at Stake
The letter to the DOJ came just days after the AGA released survey results showing that 90% of sweepstakes casino users believe they are gambling. The study also found that 69% of respondents believe sweepstakes casinos are a way to wager real money, and 68% say they play to win real money.
The findings are the latest blow to sweepstakes casinos, which have faced growing pushback in recent years. Critics argue that these platforms often operate outside state regulations for real-money casinos, exploiting legal loopholes that remain open in many states.
“As scrutiny around online ‘sweepstakes’ casinos intensifies, new research from the American Gaming Association reveals that consumers overwhelmingly view these platforms as gambling and that these operators are heavily targeting players in key states,” the study said.
“By exploiting loopholes in the law, these operations undermine the integrity of the legal, regulated gaming marketplace.”
NJ Poised to Shut Down Sweepstakes Casinos for Good
Sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey may be in their final weeks. The state Legislature has passed a bill that would outlaw the platforms. Gov. Phil Murphy can veto the bill, sign it, or take no action.
The third option appears most likely, as Murphy has yet to act. If he does nothing, the bill will become law on Aug. 14, effectively ending sweepstakes casinos in the Garden State.
Signature American Roulette Joins NJ Online Casino Lineup
Last week, Caesars Entertainment launched a new game for its New Jersey online casino players. Signature American Roulette is the third title developed by Caesars’ in-house team. The game allows players to choose their spin direction and features bets tailored to individual playing tendencies.
It is available through Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino apps.
“Bringing Signature American Roulette to our iGaming platforms perfectly complements our suite of Caesars-branded table games and further strengthens the robust collection of digital offerings that bring the energy of the casino floor to players’ mobile devices,” Caesars Digital Chief iGaming Officer Matthew Sunderalnd said in a statement.
