Maryland Regulators Order VGW to Halt Unauthorized Gaming Operations
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) for allegedly conducting unauthorized online gaming operations in the state.
Online casino gaming on laptop
VGW, an Australian company operating Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots in the U.S., must halt its Maryland operations by March 27. The order comes after VGW testified against a state bill aimed at prohibiting sweepstakes games.
Key points of the cease-and-desist order:
- Maryland only permits licensed online sports betting and fantasy competitions
- VGW lacks required gaming licenses in Maryland
- iGaming is currently prohibited in the state
- The company must respond with detailed information about its gaming offerings
The MLGCA requires VGW to provide:
- Details of all casino game offerings and their access points
- Information about any sports wagering activities
- Description of fantasy competition offerings
- Legal analysis supporting their operations in Maryland
The order follows ongoing legislative efforts to ban sweepstakes casinos in Maryland, with a bill already approved by the Senate and currently moving through the House.
If VGW is found to be operating unlicensed gaming activities, they must acknowledge this in their response and provide a cessation date within 10 days of the notice.