Ongoing use of celebrities' images in marketing questionable casino operations persists
In the world of online gaming, celebrity endorsements have become a common sight. From Drake supporting Stake, a sweepstakes casino, to Paris Hilton promoting WOW Vegas, stars are increasingly lending their likeness to social gaming businesses. However, the legal status of these platforms varies significantly by state and jurisdiction.
Sweepstakes casinos, billed as social gaming companies, allow users to participate without the need to buy credits. They operate on a system where Sweeps Coins can be used to enter supposed sweepstakes contests, with internet slot machines and table games deciding whether a consumer wins a real money prize.
While some platforms, such as A23 Games endorsed by actor Vijay Deverakonda, are defended as legal where allowed by local law, others are under increasing regulatory scrutiny. For instance, Indian authorities are investigating multiple celebrities promoting betting, which is considered illegal under the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
In the United States, the Supreme Court is involved in adjudicating the legality of online betting apps and their celebrity endorsements. In August 2025, the Supreme Court issued notices to all states, telecom regulators, and major betting platforms seeking input on a potential ban on such apps and endorsements.
State-level regulation varies widely. California, for example, currently prohibits online sports wagering, and several ballot initiatives to legalize it have failed. Only tribal casinos offer limited forms of legal gambling, and online gambling is blocked by state law. On the other hand, Missouri plans to launch regulated sports betting in late 2025, but illegal offshore sportsbooks still operate in the state.
Regulatory oversight is typically via state Gaming Control Boards (GCBs) or equivalent agencies where gaming is authorized. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, for instance, issued a cease-and-desist order for Chumba Casino last week.
Howard Glaser, Light & Wonder's global head of government affairs and legislative counsel, stated that most Americans are not likely to be swayed by celebrities endorsing offshore sweeps operating in a gray area. Despite this, many celebrities continue to endorse sweepstakes casinos.
The legality of these platforms remains a topic of ongoing debate and enforcement. Consumers are advised to verify the licensing status of such apps in their specific state, as legality, enforcement, and availability remain fragmented and evolving.
- Janel Parrish, like many celebrities, has endorsed a social casino platform, contributing to the growing trend of stars lending their image to social gaming businesses.
- Global Poker, a well-known sweepstakes casino, has garnered the endorsement of Ryan Seacrest, adding to the platform's popularity in the online gaming world.
- Michael Phelps, the celebrated Olympian, has also been associated with Chumba, a popular sweepstakes casino, highlighting the blurred lines between casino-and-gambling and entertainment in pop-culture.
- In the dynamic landscape of iGaming, policy-and-legislation and politics play a significant role in shaping casino-culture, with regulatory bodies like state Gaming Control Boards exerting influence over the industry.
- Despite the controversy surrounding the legal status of sweepstakes casinos, celebrities like Janel Parrish, Ryan Seacrest, and Michael Phelps continue to endorse these platforms, adding a glamorous touch to the industry.
- The legality of celebrity-endorsed sweepstakes casinos is a contentious issue, with some platforms operating legally in certain jurisdictions while others face regulatory scrutiny.
- Sweepstakes casinos like Chumba offer users the chance to win real money prizes, using Sweeps Coins earned through interacting with casino-games, which mimic traditional casino games.
- The involvement of celebrities like Janel Parrish and Michael Phelps in sweepstakes casinos has increased their visibility in the general news, raising awareness about the evolving trends in online gaming and gambling.
- In the wake of increasing regulatory scrutiny, actors like Vijay Deverakonda have endorsed legal sweepstakes casinos like A23 Games, providing a legitimate platform for users to participate in social gaming.
- The Supreme Court is currently adjudicating the legality of online betting apps and their celebrity endorsements, with notice issued to all states, telecom regulators, and major betting platforms in August 2025.
- Consumers should exercise caution when engaging with celebrity-endorsed sweepstakes casinos, as the legality, availability, and enforcement of these platforms vary significantly by state and jurisdiction.
