The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has issued a cease-and-desist order against VGW’s LuckyLand Slots for operating an illegal online gaming offering.
An investigation by the DGE, with support from the Delaware State Lottery, found that VGW misrepresented its services as a promotional sweepstakes operator by enabling players to purchase coins for casino-style games, leading to potential cash winnings.
The regulator said that this is in violation of the Delaware Constitution, the Delaware Penal Code and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012.
“The DGE and Delaware Lottery emphasize the importance of legal and responsible gaming practices to protect residents,” said the state gambling regulator. “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.”
LuckyLand is a subsidiary of Australian-based VGW Holdings, which also operates the Chumba Casino and Global Poker sites.
Last month the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency also issued a cease-and-desist order to VGW for operating its Luckyland and Chumba Casino sites in Maryland.
Only three sites are licensed to offer iGaming in Delaware – Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover and Harrington – with these sites generating combined iGaming wagers of $235.8 million in February, and net revenue of $6.6 million.