Cease-and-desist issued to VGW Luckyland, Inc. for illegal online slots

 
DOVER, Del. – An investigation by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) into VGW Luckyland, Inc. – a subsidiary of the Australian-based VGW Holdings Ltd. – revealed that VGW Luckyland, Inc. was operating illegal online gaming. Delaware officials concluded that VGW misrepresented its services as a promotional sweepstakes while enabling players to purchase coins for casino-style games, leading to potential cash winnings. These types of real-money games offered to Delaware residents by an unlicensed entity violate the Delaware Constitution, the Delaware Penal Code and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012.

With the support of the Delaware State Lottery, DGE issued a cease-and-desist order to VGW. Effective April 2, 2025, Delaware residents can no longer participate in VGW Luckyland’s unlicensed online gaming platforms.

The DGE and Delaware Lottery emphasize the importance of legal and responsible gaming practices to protect residents. Unregulated gaming poses significant risks, including limited withdrawal options and potential exposure to cybercrime, identity theft, and fraud. Officials caution that unauthorized online gaming has become a prime target for schemes where cybercriminals attempt to steal not only your money, but personal information, bank account details, and other personal information. Gaming on these unregulated sites can expose players to serious risks such as unauthorized transactions, identity theft, or other types of fraud. Unlike regulated Delaware Casinos, these illegal platforms don’t follow any oversight or consumer protection rules.
Some of these unregulated websites can give the false impression that they are legitimate by copying the branding of Delaware Casinos. They may employ tactics such as using similar-sounding names, matching logos, and lookalike URLs to appear legitimate. This can make it harder for consumers to tell a legal platform from a fake one.

In addition to compromising consumer protection, illegal sites result in significant tax revenue losses for the state. Websites claiming to offer legal games of chance should be viewed with suspicion. It is important to remember that just because you can download an app, visit the website, and play the games, it does not mean it is a legitimate and legal gaming platform. Delaware residents are urged to exercise caution and only engage with online gaming platforms at authorized Delaware Casinos. Please visit https://www.delottery.com to verify legal sites.

About the Division of Gaming Enforcement

The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) was established through the passage of House Bill Number 310 by the House of Representatives 145th General Assembly. The Division, under the supervision of the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, exercises exclusive jurisdiction for the criminal offenses relating to gaming that occur in a licensed video lottery facility, or which relate to the operation of the Delaware Lottery.

The DGE also investigates the background, qualifications and suitability of each applicant who requires licensing by the Delaware Lottery and seeks to exclude persons whose presence is inimical to the interest of the Delaware Lottery through the creation of a list of excluded persons. In addition, the DGE assists the Delaware Lottery in the consideration, promulgation and application of its rules and regulations and performs other duties necessary to maintain public confidence and trust in the credibility and integrity of lottery operations, agents and employees.

CONTACT: John Petersen
O: (302) 744-2686
E: john.petersen@delaware.gov

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