Florida Gives Google and Meta Deadline Over Sweepstakes Casino Ads

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wants Google, Meta, Reddit, Snap and TikTok to stop showing Florida users ads for several online sweepstakes casino brands. The companies have until October 23 to explain what action they have taken.

---

Good to know

• The letters name Stake, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and Global Poker.
• Florida filed separate lawsuits against Stake and VGW related companies in August.
• Uthmeier also wants written details on how each platform will prevent similar ads from reaching Florida residents.

---

Florida Targets Sweepstakes Casino Advertising

The new letters take the Florida sweepstakes casino dispute beyond operators themselves. Rather than focusing only on access to the gaming sites, the Attorney General office now wants major online platforms to block advertising tied to brands that the state alleges offer unauthorized gambling.

Uthmeier wrote:

“Through these lawsuits, my office has made it clear that Florida will not tolerate illegal gambling, and we will pursue both those who operate and those who facilitate these criminal operations,”

In another section, he wrote:

“(The platforms are) not authorized to operate gambling websites or online casinos in Florida. The promotion and advertisement of such illegal gambling in Florida is similarly unlawful under Florida law. Google therefore cannot advertise these illegal ‘sweepstake’ websites on its social media platforms in Florida.”

The October 23 deadline does not create a new Florida sweepstakes casino law. Instead, the letters rely on the legal position already taken by the Attorney General office in pending litigation. A court will ultimately decide disputed claims raised in those cases.

Florida filed complaints in Hillsborough County Circuit Court in August against Stake and VGW related businesses, including brands Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and Global Poker. The actions also named payment processors. Florida alleges that the companies violated state gambling laws and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Florida currently does not offer regulated real money online casino gaming. Hard Rock Bet operates the authorized statewide online sports betting platform under the Seminole Tribe gaming arrangement.

The latest letters also fit a broader Florida enforcement campaign. Earlier in 2026, state authorities seized hundreds of gaming machines during separate land based operations. In June alone, an operation across Lee and Collier counties resulted in 479 machine seizures, $294,150 in seized proceeds and 11 arrests.

More States Restrict Dual Currency Gaming

Florida is using litigation and existing gambling laws, while several other states have adopted specific legislation covering dual currency sweepstakes casino models.

Indiana HB 1052 took effect July 1. The law covers online games that use dual or multiple currencies and simulate casino, lottery or sports betting products. The Indiana Gaming Commission can issue civil penalties of up to $100,000 for violations.

Maine also adopted LD 2007 in 2026. The law prohibits qualifying dual currency online sweepstakes games and their promotion, with civil penalties ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation.

Tennessee, Louisiana and Oklahoma have also considered or adopted measures aimed at sweepstakes gaming during 2026, as state lawmakers continue to examine products that combine casino style games with redeemable currencies.

---

FAQ

What is Florida asking Google, Meta and other platforms to do?

Florida wants Google, Meta, Reddit, Snap and TikTok to stop advertising named sweepstakes casino platforms to residents in the state and explain their compliance measures by October 23.

Which sweepstakes casino brands did Florida name?

The letters reference Stake, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and Global Poker. VGW operates Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and Global Poker.

Has Florida banned sweepstakes casinos through a new law?

No new statewide sweepstakes casino statute forms the basis of the letters. The Attorney General office argues that the products already violate existing Florida gambling and consumer protection laws, while related lawsuits remain pending.

Is online casino gaming regulated in Florida?

Florida does not currently operate a regulated commercial real money online casino market.

Why is October 23 important?

Uthmeier gave the social media and technology companies until October 23, 2026 to provide written confirmation of steps taken to stop the named advertising from reaching Florida residents.

The post Florida Gives Google and Meta Deadline Over Sweepstakes Casino Ads appeared first on iGaming.org.