Poker Writer
Sweepstakes operators Sidepot and Thrillzz are out of Arizona following cease-and-desist letters from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). The ADG sent letters to multiple gambling sweepstakes operators in August, and now some are starting to flee the state.
Thrillzz differs from other sweepstakes casinos by offering event wagering, while Sidepot is a more traditional sweepstakes casino. Thrillzz also faces a possible class-action lawsuit in San Diego federal court.
Neither will operate within the state of Arizona any longer.
Arizona state law does not explicitly prohibit sweepstakes-style gaming platforms, so the ADG is utilizing cease-and-desist letters to pressure operators into leaving.
The regulator stated on Aug. 18:
This latest action underscores the Department’s commitment to protecting the public and upholding Arizona’s gaming laws. ADG continues to actively monitor, investigate, and take enforcement action against entities attempting to exploit Arizona residents through unauthorized gambling activities, including possible enforcement actions in partnership with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Sidepot and Thrillzz are among a list of seven operators who have exited the Grand Canyon State.
- Sidepot
- Thrillzz
- Fliff
- Ruby Sweeps
- Stake.us
- Pulsz
- Modo.us
“Betty Sweeps” also lists Arizona as one of the states where services are not available after they received a letter to leave the state.
The quick compliance from operators to leave the state after the letters show that they are prioritizing compliance. The sweepstakes ban in California seems to be setting the tone throughout the rest of the country.
Still, several sweepstakes casinos remain who have not been sent letters.
Sweepstakes casino and poker operator Stake.us left Arizona on Aug. 11, to some dismay from users in the state. One Reddit user posted about it at the time:
Got a email this morning saying Stake.us will not longer be available in Arizona as of August 11th meaning I need to figure out how to get a New Mexico id asap .. seriously considering buying a studio and getting a id for a little bit..then I think to myself.. that’s pretty bad.. but either way need to bypass this bs ban
Keep Reading
Is Sweepstakes Poker Available in Arizona?
As of now, yes, sweepstakes poker is available to play in Arizona. Popular operators like Global Poker, Clubs Poker and ClubWPT Gold are still functional there. However, those sites could be in the crosshairs next if the ADG continues their usage of cease-and-desist letters.
Losing Arizona would represent another major blow to the sweepstakes poker sites’ liquidity. It’s the 14th-most populous state, with about 7.5 million residents. Sweepstakes poker sites have been forced to exit numerous states due to a combination of cease-and-desists, and legislation outright banning their business models. That has caused the player pool to continue to shrink.
ClubWPT Gold has taken the approach of altering its business model in hopes of maintaining wider legality.
In the live poker arena, though, Arizona poker has seen a surge. The Arizona State Poker Championship has grown into one of the largest $1K events in the nation.
