Baltimore has filed a new lawsuit against six sweepstakes casino operators, accusing them of running illegal online gambling platforms while marketing them as “free” entertainment. The case was filed on March 4, 2026 in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. City leaders say the sites are not authorized to offer online casino gambling in Maryland, but still made their platforms easy to access for Baltimore residents.
The lawsuit is focused on how sweepstakes casinos work and how they are advertised. Baltimore argues that the common dual-currency model is gambling in practice, because players can buy one coin and then receive another coin that can be used to win redeemable prizes.
The Sweepstakes Casinos Named in the Lawsuit
Baltimore’s complaint names the companies and brands below as defendants:
- Chumba Casino (VGW Holdings)
- LuckyLand Slots (VGW Holdings)
- McLuck Casino (B2Services)
- Pulsz Casino (Yellow Social Interactive)
- Stake.us (Sweepsteaks Limited)
- High 5 (High 5 Entertainment / High 5 Games)
- Fortune Coins (Blazesoft)
Baltimore says these platforms took in millions of dollars from local players while operating outside the state’s regulated casino system.
What Baltimore Claims the Companies Did Wrong
The lawsuit argues the defendants violated Baltimore’s consumer protection rules by operating what the city calls illegal gambling disguised as sweepstakes. Maryland allows casino gambling only at six licensed brick-and-mortar casinos, and state regulators have not approved real-money online casino gaming.
Baltimore’s key argument is the sweepstakes “two-coin” structure. The complaint says players typically purchase one type of virtual coin, then receive a second currency as a bonus. That second currency can be used on casino-style games and then redeemed for cash or prizes. The city says that meets the classic definition of gambling: payment, chance, and a prize.
The filing also claims the sites blur the line between truly free play and paid play. Baltimore says meaningful play often requires purchases, and that the products are designed to keep people spending through game-like mechanics.
Claims About Marketing, Minors, and Consumer Harm
Baltimore also points to advertising and design. The lawsuit claims some sites use bright, cartoon-style visuals and “gamified” mechanics that can appeal to younger users. It also alleges the platforms promote themselves heavily on social media and through influencers, which can reach underage audiences.
Another issue is age verification. The city claims the platforms rely on minimal checks that are easy to get around, instead of stronger identity verification standards that are common in regulated gambling.
The complaint frames the case as both a consumer protection issue and a public health issue. Baltimore argues that licensed casinos must follow strict rules and contribute to public programs, while illegal sites do not. The city says that can shift the costs of problem gambling onto families and local services.
What Baltimore Is Asking the Court to Do
Baltimore is seeking several forms of relief. The city wants civil penalties, plus restitution for affected consumers. It is also asking for a court order that would stop the defendants from operating in Baltimore and prevent them from accepting transactions from city residents.
The complaint also seeks disgorgement, which is a legal term for forcing a company to give up profits that were allegedly earned through unlawful activity.
For sweepstakes casino operators, this lawsuit is a major escalation because it comes from a city government, not just private lawsuits. For players, it is a reminder that access to these sites can change quickly when regulators and local governments step in.