Maryland Regulator Orders VGW to Stop Unlicensed Gaming Operations
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), demanding the company stop its unlicensed online gaming operations in Maryland by March 27, 2025.
Online casino gaming on laptop
VGW, an Australian company operating Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots in the U.S., allegedly offers sweepstakes gaming in Maryland without proper authorization. The order comes after VGW testified against a Maryland House bill aimed at prohibiting sweepstakes games.
According to the MLGCA, Maryland only permits two forms of online gaming:
- Licensed online sports betting
- Online fantasy competitions
The agency confirms VGW lacks both a sports wagering license and casino gaming license, making their operations illegal under state law. Currently, all forms of iGaming are prohibited in Maryland.
By March 27, VGW must provide:
- Detailed descriptions of all casino game offerings
- Information about any sports wagering offerings
- Details of fantasy competition offerings
- Legal analysis supporting their operations in Maryland
If found operating without proper licensing, VGW must acknowledge this and provide a cessation date within 10 days of the order.
This enforcement action coincides with pending legislation in both the Maryland House and Senate to prohibit sweepstakes casinos statewide, with the Senate version already approved.