Arizona issues cease-and-desist orders to High 5 and Stake.US
Sweepstakes operators, raffles, and prediction market among the list of companies ordered to shutter operations in the Grand Canyon State
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued seven cease-and-desist orders to various operators across the state, including High 5 Games and Stake.US.
The regulator handed out the orders to operators across online casino, sweepstakes, sports betting, horse racing, and prediction market verticals.
So far this year, High 5 has been issued cease-and-desist order in Maryland, in addition to having its supplier license temporarily suspended in Connecticut.
The company eventually reached a $1.4m settlement with Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection and had its license reinstated.
The ADG also gave cease-and-desist orders to raffle operators Dallas Safari Club and Fanthem.
Event wagering sportsbook platform ReBet was similarly sanctioned, while prediction market Novig, which doubles up as a sweepstakes business too, was likewise ordered to shutter operations in the Grand Canyon State.
BettorEdge, which offers multiple types of betting, was the seventh firm ordered to cease operations in Arizona.
Each company was found to be in violation of Arizona state law with regard to either the promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise, or money laundering.
The operators have all been ordered to halt their respective businesses immediately, in addition to taking the necessary steps to “immediately prevent and exclude Arizona residents and visitors from gambling on their websites.”
ADG director Jackie Johnson said: “Illegal gambling, regardless of the platform or format, has no place in Arizona.
“Whether it’s online casino-style games, sweepstakes models, or unauthorized sports betting, any operation that falls outside Arizona’s legal and regulatory framework will face enforcement action.
“Illegal gambling doesn’t just break the law; it robs our state’s economy and puts consumers at risk.
“The department stands firmly with our licensed and regulated operators that are following the rules, contributing to Arizona’s economic health, and upholding the protections that a regulated market provides.”
Last month, the ADG sent cease-and-desist orders to prediction markets Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com.
Licensed operators in Arizona amassed handle of $887m for the month of March, resulting in gross revenue of $48.3m.