Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) vetoed legislation that would have banned websites from conducting sweepstakes games that some say violate online gambling laws. Continue Reading Louisiana Governor Vetoes Legislation That Would Have Banned Social Casino Sweepstakes Games
Maine’s Gambling Control Unit (GCU) has issued a formal warning regarding the proliferation of illegal interactive gaming (“iGaming”) platforms operating within the state. The warning emphasized that while certain forms of online gambling—such as advance deposit wagering, fantasy contests, and sports betting—are legally permitted and regulated in Maine, online casino-style games remain strictly prohibited. This includes games like slots, blackjack, and roulette when played for real money. The warning goes on to state: “Of particular concern are so-called “sweepstakes” or “social casino” sites that may offer real-money payouts, dual-currency systems, or prizes such as gift cards. These platforms are not licensed or overseen by the GCU.”Continue Reading Maine Gambling Control Unit Issues Warning on Illegal Online Gaming Including Certain Sweepstakes Models
We have previously posted on some of the recent legal issues with social casino sweepstakes. See Social Casino Sweepstakes Model is Under Fire – What Game Companies, Payment Processors and App Stores Need to Know. Various states have taken action to shut down these apps in their states. The NY AG, working with the New York State Gaming Commission, allegedly identified 26 online platforms offering players slots, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash and prizes. On June 6, the NY AG announced that it has stopped online sweepstakes casinos operating in New York. This action follows cease and desist letters to operators dating back to March 7, 2025.Continue Reading NY AG Seeks to Shut Down Sweepstakes Casinos in NY
Following President Trump’s March 6 Executive Order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, federal agencies and market participants may begin to grapple with the operational and compliance implications of the federal government’s proposed foray into crypto ownership and stewardship. While many of the program’s details remain under development, the initiative raises questions related to governance, custody, disclosure, and alignment with existing financial and national security laws.Continue Reading Federal Crypto Ownership: Compliance Implications of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile
Introduced in response to certain digital media sellers (e.g., game publishers) revoking consumer access to purchases with little to no recourse, AB 2426 forces sellers of “digital goods,” such as movies, apps, games, books and music to clarify what a consumer is actually receiving in connection with their “purchase.” Often companies refer to the “purchase” or “sale” of digital goods, yet the associated terms of service make clear that the buyer only receives a revocable license to such goods. In some cases, if a buyer violates the terms of service, the license is revoked, and the user is denied further access to the digital goods. In other cases, a buyer may be denied access to digital goods it has “purchased” if the digital media platform shuts down.Continue Reading New California Law Targets Sellers of Digital Goods – Applicability to NFTs is Uncertain
In October 2021, San Francisco crypto currency exchange Coinbase made waves after releasing a proposed regulatory framework for digital assets entitled Digital Asset Policy Proposal: Safeguarding America’s Financial Leadership (“dApp”).
Continue Reading Digital Asset Policy: Aspirations, Reality and Regulation
U.S. state and federal lawmakers, as well as federal regulators, are increasingly focusing on the role of blockchain and distributed ledger technology in ongoing efforts to combat climate change and
Continue Reading Lawmakers and Regulators Examine Role of Blockchain Technology in Energy TransitionsThe use of blockchain technology by game companies is nascent but growing. As a transaction based-technology, blockchain is well suited to manage in game economies through tokenized game assets and the use of cryptocurrency for payment. This also provides a benefit to players in that they can truly own their assets, as opposed to just having a terminable license as is the case with most traditional online games. Blockchain and NFTs hold great promise. If your business gets involved with these technologies it is critical to get solid legal advice before you get too far down the road.
Continue Reading Will Blockchain Game Use Drive Greater Overall Blockchain Adoption?