Delaware Tightens Grip on Sweepstakes Casinos as More Operators Leave the State

Delaware has tightened its grip on sweepstakes casinos, pushing more operators out of the state as regulators enforce existing gambling laws against the sector.

RealPrize and LoneStar, both owned by RealPlay Tech Inc., are the latest companies to halt sweepstakes play in Delaware, narrowing options for players there. The exits carry time-sensitive redemption deadlines, giving customers a limited window to claim funds before the operators complete their withdrawal.

RealPrize, LoneStar end sweepstakes play in DE

RealPrize and LoneStar stopped offering Sweeps Coins play to Delaware customers on Aug. 21 after receiving cease-and-desist letters from the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, according to a legal status review from Bonus.com.

Players must submit redemption requests by Sept. 21 and withdraw any remaining balances by Sept. 22. Gold Coin play, which does not involve prize redemption, is unaffected.

The order is part of a broader campaign: Delaware sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple sweepstakes operators in mid-August, and RealPrize and LoneStar wound down operations within days, Bright Side of News reported.

The enforcement action reflects Delaware regulators’ view that sweepstakes casinos fall outside the state’s legal gambling framework. Authorities cite the Delaware Constitution, the Delaware Penal Code and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 as the legal basis for their position.

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