In a letter to Google’s general counsel, Uthmeier said his office already sued operators including Stake, VGW’s Chumba Casino, LuckyLand, and Global Poker back in August 2026, along with the payment processors that support them, with the lawsuits asking the court for injunctions, restitution for Florida consumers, and civil penalties. Uthmeier gave the tech companies until October 23 to confirm in writing that they’ve removed the ads from their platforms, warning that promoting illegal gambling is a crime under Florida law.
AG Uthmeier stated:
“If it looks like a casino, takes real money like a casino, and pays out like a casino, it is a casino, and it is illegal under Florida law. 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.”
The state’s case focuses on how these platforms work. Players buy Gold Coins for social play, but the purchase also comes bundled with a second currency, Stake Cash or Sweeps Coins depending on the site, that can be wagered and later cashed out for real money, crypto, or gift cards once specific conditions are met. Florida argues that this setup is actually a disguised casino, and that celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing have misled residents into thinking these platforms are harmless.
The state is seeking permanent injunctions, restitution, forfeiture of gambling proceeds, and civil penalties under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
