New York State officially launches a crackdown on online lottery casinos. State Attorney General Letitia James, in conjunction with the New York State Gaming Commission, issued a "cease and desist" order to 26 websites suspected of illegal operations, demanding that they immediately cease all operations in New York State.
This action targets platforms that offer slot machines, table games, and sports betting under the guise of "lotteries". These platforms attract players to gamble using virtual lottery coins, which can be exchanged for cash or prizes, thereby circumventing the state's explicit ban on online gambling.
Lottery games = disguised gambling?
Although the operators claim that users are participating in a "lottery" rather than directly betting, James' office believes that this model essentially constitutes online casino activity and violates New York State law. According to current regulations, New York has not approved any form of online casinos and only allows specific licensed operators to provide internet sports betting services, while explicitly prohibiting the use of virtual currency as a gambling medium to win cash.
The 26 named lottery platforms
The platforms named in this crackdown include High 5 Casino, Jackpota, Luckyland, McLuck, Mega Bonanza, NoLimitCoins, Play Fame, RealPrize, Sidepot, Chumba, Fliff, Golden Hearts Games, Fortune Coins, Fortune Wheelz, SpinBlitz, SweepSlots, Sweeptastic, TaoFortune, Zula Casino, and others, totaling 26 websites.
"These online lottery casinos are not only illegal but can also pose serious risks to people's financial situations," James stated. "We must take decisive action to cut off these platforms' influence on the people of New York."
Gaming Commission and legislators' stance: full support
Brian O'Dwyer, chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission, described these lottery platforms as "morally degenerate, extremely unsafe, and completely illegal." He noted that the Attorney General's intervention is "an important step in regulating the illegal gambling market" and called on adults with gambling needs to participate through legal channels.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo, who has long advocated for responsible gambling legislation, also voiced strong support for this law enforcement action. "In a time of increasing illegal gambling activities, identity theft, and underage participation, these illegal platforms easily obtain user data under the guise of lotteries, which is alarming," he said. "These platforms not only jeopardize the safety of users' assets but also promote addiction risks in an unregulated environment, especially targeting the youth."
He further emphasized: "Our action is not to suppress any livelihood but to establish a healthier and safer online gaming ecosystem for New Yorkers."
