The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has issued a response to the cease-and-desist orders sent to 14 online gambling operators by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on November 5, urging his office to reconsider what the organization believes is a "mischaracterization" of online social games.
"While the popularity of Social Plus games has attracted some bad actors, SGLA partners maintain strict age verification standards, industry-leading responsible gameplay tools and best-in-class financial crime safeguards," SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan said.
"The millions of players who have enjoyed Social Plus games for more than a decade deserve a safe, regulated environment, which is why we are working with Minnesota legislators to promote enhanced regulatory standards for the industry and potential revenue opportunities for the state. We look forward to continuing this engagement, while also correcting any misinformation and confusion about our industry of Social Plus games."
Ellison issued the cease-and-desist orders after alleging the entities violated Minnesota consumer-protection laws which prohibit "deceptive, fraudulent, unfair or unconscionable" practices.
"Online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not," Ellison said.
"Trying to rebrand poker chips as virtual currencies does not change the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful. By continuing to operate online gambling sites in Minnesota, these operators are likely openly defying our State's laws and I will not stand for it."
The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety sent notices to the same entities in June 2025, warning each operator of potential criminal law violations which typically arise from online gambling.
Ellison ordered the operators to immediately halt all business conducted in Minnesota, including sweepstakes casinos and unauthorized sports betting offerings. At the time of writing, Minnesota has not legalized any form of sports betting for residents, creating potential criminal violations for the operators in question.
"SGLA stands ready to work with Minnesota officials to bring in new tax revenue and create a higher level of consumer protection to ensure safe participation for the hundreds of thousands of Minnesota adults who play Social Plus games for fun and entertainment," Duncan said.
Operators issued cease-and-desist orders from Ellison include VG LuckyLand, Fortune Coins, BetUS, Bovada, MyBookie and Zula Casino. Under current Minnesota law, only licensed charitable gambling, Tribal gaming, pari-mutuel horse betting and the Minnesota Lottery are authorized gaming types for residents.
Despite public support from professional sports teams and key stakeholders within the state, Minnesota lawmakers voted to a tie on legislation that would have legalized both in-person and online forms of sports gambling in February 2025
