Sweepstakes casino operators Sidepot and Thrillzz are leaving the Arizona market following cease-and-desist letters from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG).
In July, the ADG announced it had sent cease-and-desist letters to several gaming sites, including BettorEdge, Dallas Safari Club, Fanthem, High Five, Novig, ReBet, and Stake.us.
“Illegal gambling, regardless of the platform or format, has no place in Arizona,” ADG Director Jackie Johnson said in a press release. “Whether it’s online casino-style games, sweepstakes models, or unauthorized sports betting, any operation that falls outside Arizona’s legal and regulatory framework will face enforcement action.”
Sweepstakes Casinos Betty Sweeps, Fliff, And Pulsz Leaving Arizona
Last month, the ADG announced it had also sent cease-and-desist letters to Betty Sweeps, Fliff, Pulsz, and Thrillzz. Since then, all four operators along with Sidepot have pulled out of the Grand Canyon State.
In a news release, the regulator stated:
“This latest action underscores the Department’s commitment to protecting the public and upholding Arizona’s gaming laws. ADG continues to actively monitor, investigate, and take enforcement action against entities attempting to exploit Arizona residents through unauthorized gambling activities, including possible enforcement actions in partnership with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.”
According to Jeffrey McMillan of PokerScout, Thrillzz is also facing a potential class-action lawsuit in San Diego federal court for operating a sweeps sportsbook in violation of numerous provisions of the California Penal Code.
Ruby Sweeps Shuts Down Sweeps Play In Grand Canyon State
Earlier this month, Ruby Sweeps said it would no longer offer sweeps play for Arizona residents, joining 19 excluded states as lawmakers and regulators continue their crackdown on online sweepstakes casinos nationwide.
Despite not receiving a cease-and-desist order, Ruby Sweeps had decided to shut down its sweepstakes operations in Arizona on Sept. 5. It sent emails to players announcing the decision.
The platform informed Arizona players that they had until Sept. 5 to play through their Emeralds (the site’s version of Sweeps Coins) and enact any redemptions.
In December 2024, the ADG also sent a cease-and-desist letter to offshore sportsbook Bovada. Then in April 2025, Arizona sent multiple cease-and-desist orders to sites like BetUS, Epic Hunts, Modo.us, and MyBookie.