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Virtual Gaming Worlds is still operating in Arizona nearly two years after state regulators ordered it to stop, according to reporting published by the Fresno Bee.
Regulators maintain that its sweepstakes casinos are illegal; VGW says it complies with the laws where it operates.
The report details an unresolved enforcement dispute involving the operator of Chumba Casino, Global Poker and Luckyland Slots. It also documents political contributions to groups supporting Arizona Democrats and Republicans while the company faces legal challenges elsewhere.
Arizona’s Shutdown Demand Has Not Produced Charges
The Arizona Department of Gaming sent VGW a cease-and-desist letter on Nov. 8, 2024. Regulators told the company its Arizona operations constituted a felony enterprise and could lead to civil or criminal charges, according to the report.
The letter directed VGW to “IMMEDIATELY CEASE ALL ONLINE (OR OTHER) GAMBLING OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN ARIZONA.”
VGW responded on Dec. 2, requesting that its letter and accompanying materials be treated as confidential trade secrets and commercial information exempt from public disclosure.
A Dec. 10 department memo reiterated the agency’s position: “It remains our conclusion that VGW’s activities in Arizona amount to the promotion of unregulated, unlicensed, and illegal gambling.”
Documents obtained by The Arizona Republic also showed that the department did not publicly announce its allegations against VGW, unlike similar enforcement actions involving other sweepstakes gaming companies.
Political Donations Accompanied the Enforcement Dispute
According to the report, VGW spent more than $1 million on political donations in 2026 while battling lawsuits from at least three state attorneys general.
In Arizona, contributions to groups supporting Gov. Katie Hobbs and Atty. Gen. Kris Mayes totaled more than $200,000. Those included a $70,000 VGW donation to a Navajo County-based fundraising entity supporting Arizona Democrats, another $75,000 routed through a national Democratic attorneys general fundraising group, and $65,000 from LuckyLand Inc. to a group supportive of Hobbs.
On the Republican side, VGW contributed $140,000 to efforts to maintain control of the Arizona House and Senate, plus $10,000 to a group supportive of Warren Petersen.
Regulators Maintain Their Position; VGW Disputes It
Gaming Department spokesperson Jessica Roza told The Arizona Republic that the agency still believes VGW is operating illegally and “continues to evaluate enforcement options.”
Attorney General’s Office spokesperson Richie Taylor said the office would welcome more enforcement resources, citing repeated legislative budget cuts, including a 2.5% cut this fiscal year.
VGW spokesperson Michael Bennet said the company “continues to have full confidence in our compliance with all laws and regulations where we operate.” He also said VGW supports engagement with states on regulatory structures for its sweepstakes games.
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Source: As reported by Fresno Bee.
