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Maryland takes action against VGW in recent crackdown

Maryland demands temporary halt of VGW's activities within the state.

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Maryland has demanded a halt to VGW's operations in the state temporarily.
Maryland has demanded a halt to VGW's operations in the state temporarily.

Maryland takes action against VGW in recent crackdown

Maryland Goes After Virtual Gaming Worlds

Here's the lowdown on the latest so-called 'shakedown' in the online gaming world: Maryland's got their eyes on Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), the crew behind Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency sent VGW a formal cease-and-desist letter on March 12, telling them to shape up and cease operations within ten days or reap the consequences. If they don't comply, they could face a denial of future entry into the state.

But that's not all. By March 27, VGW needs to provide the agency with a detailed rundown of their gaming activities and confirm or deny they're offering products in Maryland. It's as if they're saying, "Show us your papers, my man!"

This isn't the first time the gaming industry's been in the Maryland hot seat. Some states have been getting aggressive towards the sector, with Mississippi all but condemning it and New Jersey and New York considering a ban. Sweepstakes operators have been under the microscope for a while now, accused of running a cloaked gambling racket while escaping the rigors of licensing.

However, VGW maintains they've done nothing wrong. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, on the other hand, doesn't seem convinced, accusing VGW of operating without a license.

There's an ongoing turf war going on, with state regulation vs. federal oversight at the heart of it. In another fascinating case, Kalshi, a different company, is suing the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. Kalshi argues that their operations fall under federal law, not state oversight. It's like a giant game of chess, with each move changes the complex regulatory landscape.

Pic credit: Unsplash.com

In the grand scheme of things, the gaming industry's dealing with a minefield of state laws and regulations, especially when it comes to sweepstakes and online gaming. it's a wild West out there, folks! So stay tuned for more updates from the wild, wild, web.

  1. Maryland's law enforcement is requiring Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), the creators of Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots, to comply with state laws and cease their operations in Maryland.
  2. By March 27, VGW must provide detailed information about their casino-and-gambling activities, possibly including casino-games, to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
  3. The gaming trends of sweepstakes operators are under scrutiny, with states like Maryland and others considering the implications of running illegal gambling operations, even in the context of online lotteries.
  4. VGW insists they have adhered to all necessary regulations, but the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission has accused them of operating without a casino license.
  5. Legal action is being taken in the gaming industry, with Kalshi suing the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, arguing that their operations fall under federal, rather than state, jurisdiction, creating a complex regulatory landscape for the industry.

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