Popular sweepstakes casino, Stake.us, is pulling out of three more states: Louisiana, Montana, and Arizona. The platform added Louisiana and Montana to the Terms & Conditions as “Excluded Territories” on July 14.
Stake.us Now Has 17 Excluded Territories
Although players in Louisiana and Montana no longer have access to the site, sweeps users in Arizona will be able to play at the site until August 12, taking the total number of banned states to 17.
Here’s the full list of states that Stake.us has exited:
- Washington
- New York
- Nevada
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Vermont
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Arizona (August 12)
Montana became the first state to outlaw sweepstakes casinos in May when Governor Greg Gianforte signed off on Senate Bill 555. Violators will be subject to a felony charge with a fine of up to $50,000 and up to 10 years in prison. The ban goes into effect Oct. 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Louisiana legislature passed its own anti-sweeps bill in June, but Governor Jeff Landry vetoed SB 181, contending that sweeps operators are already illegal under state law.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) then assisted Attorney General Liz Murrill in issuing more than 40 cease-and-desist letters to online sweepstakes casinos and social casinos.
“These actions send a clear message,” LGCB Chair Christopher Hebert said in a release. “Louisiana will not tolerate illegal operators who put our citizens at risk and undermine the fairness and integrity of our gaming industry. We will continue to use every enforcement tool available to protect the public and uphold the law.”
Louisiana Attorney General Stated Sweepstakes Casinos Are Illegal
In addition, Murrill issued a legal opinion on July 2 in which she stated that online sweepstakes casinos that offer dual-currency casino-style games constitute illegal gambling and are in violation of state law.
“Following a review of applicable Louisiana statutes and legal precedent, it is the opinion of this office that online businesses offering casino-style games — purporting to be sweepstakes or social gaming platforms — are operating in violation of Louisiana law. These activities constitute illegal gambling and illegal gambling by computer under multiple provisions,” Murrill wrote.
Of course, Murrill was responding to Sen. Rick Edmonds’ (R-7) request for an opinion from the AG on the legality of “online sweepstakes casino businesses” that continue to operate in the Pelican State.
Arizona Department Of Gaming Sent C&D Letter To Stake.us
In February, the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued an educational flyer titled “Sweepstakes in Arizona,” warning its citizens of the dangers of creating accounts at sweeps sites.
Earlier this month, the regulatory body doubled down on its position, issuing seven cease-and-desist orders to unregulated gambling sites, including Stake.us.
Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG, stated in the 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. Illegal gambling doesn’t just break the law; it robs our state’s economy and puts consumers at risk. The Department stands firmly with our licensed and regulated operators who are following the rules, contributing to Arizona’s economic health, and upholding the protections that a regulated market provides.”
In April, the ADG also sent multiple cease-and-desist orders to operators deemed “illegal,” including Modo.us, Epic Hunts, MyBookie, and BetUS.
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