Key points:
- The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has issued a cease-and-desist order against VGW Luckyland, Inc. for offering 'illegal online slots' (sweepstakes) to residents
- Delaware officials confirms the impact of unregulated gaming and highlights authorised platforms as an alternative
Delaware has moved to shut down sweepstakes casino activity following an investigation by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) into VGW Luckyland, a subsidiary of VGW Holdings Ltd.
The investigation found that VGW Luckyland misrepresented its online games as promotional sweepstakes, while allowing players to purchase coins for potential cash rewards.
This constitutes a violation of Delaware’s laws, including the Delaware Penal Code and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012. As of 2 April 2025, Delaware residents are no longer allowed to engage with VGW Luckyland’s unlicensed online gaming platforms.
In response to the findings, the DGE, along with the Delaware Lottery, issued a cease-and-desist order to VGW. The order reflects the state's focus on legal and responsible gaming.
Delaware authorities have emphasised that unregulated gaming presents significant risks, including exposure to fraud, cybercrime, and identity theft. Unlike legally licensed casinos, illegal sites do not follow oversight procedures or consumer protection rules.
Good to know: Further details on the DGE's role and legal gaming options in Delaware are on the Delaware Lottery website
Residents are informed that unlicensed gaming platforms often use certain tactics, such as similar names, logos and URLs, to appear legitimate.
Delaware officials have confirmed that the ability to download an app or access a website does not mean the platform is legal. The DGE focuses on steering residents to verify the legitimacy of gaming sites through the official Delaware Lottery website.
