It's not uncommon in today's volatile US sweepstakes casino market for sites to be updating their list of restricted states. However, it's a rare occurrence when a sweepstakes casino removes states from its restricted list.
Yet that's exactly what's happening with sweepstakes casino operator B-Two Operations. The company has removed both Alabama and Georgia from its lists of restricted states on the websites of many of its more prominent sweepstakes casino sites.
The Isle of Man-based company operates some of the biggest sweepstakes casino sites in the US market. Alabama and Georgia are no longer on the list of restricted states at McLuck Casino, Hello Millions Casino, Playfame Casino, and Spinblitz Casino.
However, a similar change wasn't made at two of the company's other sweepstakes casino sites, Jackpota Casino and Mega Bonanza Casino. Those casinos still list Alabama and Georgia as restricted states.
It was no surprise to see Alabama and Georgia listed among the restricted states when it comes to sweepstakes casinos. These two southern states, both part of the so-called Bible Belt, are traditionally known to be fervent in their anti-gambling stance. In both states, almost all forms of gambling, including sports betting and online casinos, remain against the law.
At present, there are 13 active lawsuits in Alabama on file against sweepstakes casino operations. Among the sites being targeted are major industry players like Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots (VGW), Fortune Coins Casino (Blazesoft Limited), WOW Vegas Casino, and Stake.us Casino.
These suits accuse the sweepstakes casinos of operating unlicensed casino-style games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, which are all prohibited under Alabama law. The sweepstakes casinos counter that they are operating free-to-play casino games with a sweepstakes element, if players choose to play games with Sweepstakes Coins. No real money is bet or directly won.
There was also legal action taken in Georgia in 2024 against VGW. However, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia dismissed the suit later in the year.
While moving back into the Alabama and Georgia markets, B-Two Operations is taking action and actively pulling back in the California market. California is not listed as a restricted state by any of the sweepstakes casinos owned by B-Two Operations. Nonetheless, the company is no longer promoting its sites in the Golden State.
B-Two Operations is pausing all affiliate marketing activity for any of its sweepstakes casinos in California. The company also halted all advertising and promotional activity in the state.
California Assembly Bill 831 would prohibit sweepstakes casinos in the state if passed into law. The bill is continuing to make headway in the state assembly. The bill has already been given unanimous passage by both the California Senate Public Safety Committee and the California Senate Governmental Organization Committee.
At present, the bill is under consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The third and final hearing before that group will be taking place on August 18. The state appears to be fast-tracking the bill for passage by the September 12 legislative deadline.
There are several states in which the sweepstakes casinos owned by B-Two Operations are restricted. These include Montana, Washington, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, Michigan, Louisiana, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
B-Two Operations made another change to its terms and conditions earlier this year. The company increased the minimum age to play at any of its social and sweepstakes casinos from 18 to 21.
21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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