Minnesota Attorney General Targets 14 Unlicensed Sportsbooks and Casino Websites

Amid ongoing debates over the legalization of sports betting, Minnesota’s stance remains uncertain. While the state’s lawmakers are divided, Attorney General Keith Ellison is taking proactive steps against illegal gambling operations. In a notable move, he has issued cease-and-desist letters to 14 unregulated online gambling sites, including offshore sportsbooks and casino platforms, as well as operators of dual-currency sweepstakes. Minnesota unlicensed gambling sites

In a public statement, Ellison emphasized the illegality of these platforms. “Online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not,” he said. He also addressed attempts by some operators to reframe their activities, stating, “Trying to rebrand poker chips as virtual currencies does not change the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful. By continuing to operate online gambling sites in Minnesota, these operators are likely openly defying our state’s laws and I will not stand for it.”

The targeted sites include BetAnySports, BetNow, BetOnline, BetUS, BetWhale, Bovada, EveryGame Sportsbook, Fortune Coins, MyBookie.com, Slotsandcasino, Sportsbetting.com, VG Luckyland, XBet, and Zula Casino. Earlier this summer, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division also sent letters to these same operators, warning them of potential legal violations. However, despite those warnings, the sites have continued their operations.

Ellison’s letters also highlighted concerns over civil consumer protection laws that may be violated by these platforms. “Illegal online casinos and sweepstakes sites make big promises but deliver only risk to Minnesota consumers,” said Bob Jacobson, the Department of Public Safety Commissioner. “Most are based outside the United States to avoid laws, regulation and enforcement measures. There’s no accountability, no protection for players and no way to know if the betting will be run fairly.”

Legislative efforts to legalize sports betting in Minnesota have faced persistent challenges. Lawmakers have repeatedly introduced bills, and there was a sense of progress as a bipartisan deal was nearly finalized at the end of the 2024 session. Yet, opposition from certain legislators prevented the bill’s passage, with some groups citing concerns over the social impacts of gambling. Notably, Senator Matt Klein, a Democrat, expressed frustration, stating that lawmakers are “abandoning” Minnesotans and the state’s 11 tribes by failing to act. The ideological divide remains: the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party supports tribal exclusivity, while Republicans advocate for including horse racing tracks in the sports betting framework.

Looking ahead to 2026, some industry insiders believe Minnesota might still have a chance to establish legal sports betting, even if the window is uncertain. One analyst estimated the odds at a 50-50 chance, reflecting the ongoing debate and legislative gridlock.

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Meanwhile, crackdowns on unregulated sportsbooks continue across the country. Several states, including California, Connecticut, Montana, and New Jersey, have passed bills banning sweepstakes and unlicensed gambling operations this session. California alone reportedly accounted for roughly 20% of U.S. revenue generated by sweepstakes companies, according to industry experts at the recent Global Gaming Expo.

In Louisiana and New York, legislative action has also been significant. New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to sign a bill, but Attorney General Letitia James has already sent 26 cease-and-desist orders to sweepstakes operators this summer. Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a similar bill but acknowledged that existing regulations already give authorities the power to enforce gambling laws. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board responded by sending out 40 cease-and-desist notices to unregulated operators, including sweepstakes sites. Other states like Maryland, Michigan, and Arizona are also actively cracking down on unlicensed gambling activities, demonstrating a nationwide push to curb illegal online gambling operations. Minnesota unlicensed gambling sites