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 alleged unlicensed online gaming operations in Maryland by March 27, 2025.

VGW, an Australian company operating Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots in the U.S., currently offers sweepstakes gaming in Maryland. The order comes after VGW testified against a Maryland House bill aimed at prohibiting sweepstakes games.

The MLGCA emphasizes that only licensed online sports betting and fantasy competitions are permitted in Maryland. Since VGW lacks the necessary licenses and iGaming is prohibited in the state, their operations are considered illegal.

Key Points of the Cease-and-Desist Order:

• VGW must respond by March 27 with details of all gaming activities
• The company must provide information about casino games, sports wagering, and fantasy competition offerings
• Legal analysis supporting their operations must be submitted
• VGW needs to acknowledge any unlicensed activities and provide a cessation date

This regulatory action coincides with pending legislation in the Maryland House and Senate to prohibit sweepstakes casinos statewide. According to Del. Eric Ebersole (D-44A), approximately $6 billion is bet annually in unregulated markets in Maryland.

If VGW is found to be operating unlicensed gaming activities, they must cease operations within 10 days of the order.

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