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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits targeting Stake and VGW in August 2026, alleging illegal online gambling and violations of state consumer protection laws, according to South Florida Reporter. The actions challenge sweepstakes casino operations in a state that does not authorize conventional real-money online casino websites.
Florida enforcement extends to payments and advertising
Payment processors connected to the platforms were also named in the lawsuits, South Florida Reporter reported. The claims are allegations, not court findings.
In September 2026, Uthmeier sent letters to Google, Meta, Reddit, Snap and TikTok concerning sweepstakes casino advertising reaching Florida residents.
Sweepstakes casinos typically use two virtual currencies and may allow players to redeem prizes after satisfying platform conditions. Florida is actively challenging that model, although it has not enacted a blanket legislative ban specifically naming every sweepstakes casino platform.
Online casino play differs from authorized sports betting
Florida has no licensing system for conventional real-money online casino websites. A platform’s availability to Florida residents does not establish that it is legally authorized in the state, according to South Florida Reporter.
The state permits casino gaming at authorized tribal facilities and online sports betting through the Seminole Tribe’s gaming arrangement with Florida. Those permissions do not establish a conventional online casino market.
Social casinos available to Florida residents use virtual currency rather than cash wagering. Sweepstakes platforms have a different structure because their rules may permit prize redemption.
South Florida Reporter also describes Hard Rock Bet’s Florida-facing casino-style games as powered by Past Motor Racing rather than conventional random-number systems.
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Source: As reported by South Florida Reporter.
