Minnesota AG Goes All In to Shut Down Allegedly Illegal Gambling Sites

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  • Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sent letters to 14 operators of allegedly illegal gambling websites directing them to stop offering online gambling to Minnesota residents, citing potential violations of state consumer protection and criminal gambling laws. The letters target gambling platforms that offer sports betting, poker, and casino-style games, as well as “social sweepstakes” casino websites that allow users to gamble with virtual coins that can later be redeemed for cash.
  • Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division sent letters to the same 14 operators warning them of potential criminal gambling law violations and asking them to either cease operations or modify their business practices to comply with state law. The AG has alleged that the operators have yet to comply with those requests.
  • In his letters to the social sweepstakes casino websites and to the gambling websites, AG Ellison reiterated the risk of criminal liability and highlighted potential violations of the state’s consumer protection laws. In warning that the sites harm consumers by operating without regulatory oversight or basic safeguards, AG Ellison highlighted concerns about the lack of reliable age verification and self-exclusion tools, high “playthrough” and withdrawal requirements, and the absence of guarantees that winnings will be paid or contests conducted fairly. He asked the websites for written confirmation that they will refrain from operating gambling websites illegally in Minnesota and comply with state law by December 1, 2025.
  • We have previously reported on AG efforts to combat allegedly illegal online gambling, including a bipartisan letter from 50 AGs urging the U.S. DOJ to prioritize enforcement against offshore gambling platforms and Indiana AG Todd Rokita’s warning to consumers about illegal gambling websites and social media ads that pose as licensed Indiana casino companies.
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