Delaware regulator issues fresh cease-and-desist order to VGW
An investigation led by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement found VGW Luckyland to be operating illegally and “mispresenting its services as promotional sweepstakes”
The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has issued a fresh cease-and-desist order to Australia-based sweepstakes operator VGW.
An investigation led by the regulator found that the operator’s subsidiary, VGW Luckyland, was “operating illegal online gaming” in the state without a license.
The regulator alleged that VGW also “misrepresented its services as a promotional sweepstakes” by allowing players to purchase coins for casino-style games, leading to potential cash prizes.
These actions by an unlicensed party violate the Delaware Constitution, the Delaware Penal Code, and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012.
The cease-and-desist order was issued with the backing of the Delaware State Lottery.
Effective from April 2, 2025, Delaware players can no longer access VGW Luckyland’s online gaming platform.
A DGE statement read: “The DGE and Delaware Lottery emphasize the importance of legal and responsible gaming practices to protect residents.
“Unregulated gaming poses significant risks, including limited withdrawal options and potential exposure to cybercrime, identity theft, and fraud.
“Officials caution that unauthorized online gaming has become a prime target for schemes where cybercriminals attempt to steal not only your money, but personal information, bank account details, and other personal information.
“Gaming on these unregulated sites can expose players to serious risks such as unauthorized transactions, identity theft, or other types of fraud. Unlike regulated Delaware casinos, these illegal platforms don’t follow any oversight or consumer protection rules.”
The regulator reminded players to be vigilant of illegal casinos masquerading as licensed platforms, which may employ tactics such as using similar sounding names, matching logos, and lookalike URLs of regulated casinos.
This was the second cease-and-desist order the DGE had issued to VGW, with the first being sent in February 2023 but no action was taken up until this point.
The operator was also sent a cease-and-desist order in the state of Maryland last month after its Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots brands were found to be conducting online gaming activities without a license.