Arizona Sends Cease and Desist to Stake.us and Others

Arizona regulators are tightening the screws on unlicensed gambling platforms again, and this time, Stake.us is in the spotlight. The Arizona Department of Gaming has told the sweepstakes casino to shut down its operations in the state, pointing to state law that prohibits online casino-style gambling.

Good to know

• Arizona does not allow online casinos, only regulated sports betting.
• Stake.us and six other companies received cease-and-desist letters.
• Officials warned that unlicensed gambling poses risks to players and the local economy.

Stake.us was among seven operators hit with cease-and-desist letters from Arizona’s gambling authority. The site offers a sweepstakes-style online casino, which the state says violates Arizona laws. Although sports betting is legal in Arizona, only licensed operators can offer those services—and Stake.us is not on that list.

Other platforms called out include ReBet, Novig, BettorEdge, and High 5, all of which were flagged for offering unlicensed sports betting or similar services. Two more unnamed operators were also told to stop running raffle games, which also fall outside Arizona’s legal gambling framework.

Director Jackie Johnson of the Arizona Department of Gaming made the agency’s stance clear:

Illegal gambling, regardless of the platform or format, has no place in Arizona. Whether it’s online casino-style games, sweepstakes models, or unauthorized sports betting, any operation that falls outside Arizona’s legal and regulatory framework will face enforcement action. Illegal gambling doesn’t just break the law; it robs our state’s economy and puts consumers at risk. The Department stands firmly with our licensed and regulated operators who are following the rules, contributing to Arizona’s economic health, and upholding the protections that a regulated market provides.

This crackdown is part of an ongoing effort. Earlier in 2025, in April, Arizona regulators also targeted ARB Gaming LLC (doing business as Modo.us), Epic Hunts, Generiz, ProphetX, My Bookie, and BetUS.com.pa. And back in January, the department warned players about the dangers of offshore and sweepstakes-style casinos, many of which operate illegally without any consumer protections.

The state is sending a clear message: if you want to offer gambling services in Arizona, you need to follow the rules or face enforcement. For players, it is a reminder to stick to licensed platforms to stay safe and legal.

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