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New research from the American Gaming Association (AGA) has revealed that consumers knowingly use online sweepstakes casinos for gambling, with the platforms exploiting legal loopholes to deliberately target players in key states. 
This action undermines the regulated gaming industry, prompting ongoing scrutiny from gaming regulators, state Attorney Generals, and legislatures.
Sensor Tower data, compiled by the AGA, indicated that in early 2025, 50% of online real-money casino ads promoted unregulated offshore “sweepstakes” casinos, with heavy advertising in populous states.

New AGA research confirms consumers consider sweepstake casinos to be gambling. By exploiting loopholes in the law, these operations undermine the integrity of the legal, regulated gaming marketplace.
Read more https://t.co/k7gPPmlNkb pic.twitter.com/x3SOGVJaBt
— American Gaming Association (@AmericanGaming) July 31, 2025

The findings show that despite their unregulated status, 68% of users view these platforms as gambling sites, driven by the urge to win real money. 
While there is a focus on attracting users who know of their illicit status, several sweepstakes companies intentionally replicate the design and language of legal operators, confusing consumers and duping others. 
“These operators present themselves like legal, regulated platforms – but they operate outside the law and regulation, said Tres York, the AGA Vice President of Government Relations. 
“There are few, if any, responsible gaming tools, no regulatory oversight, and no consumer protections. It’s a dangerous subterfuge that puts players at real risk.”
Customers see right through sweepstakes, says AGA VP
Critics would argue this reflects the need for ongoing strict enforcement and public awareness, while the ASA research also detailed that the number of monthly sweepstakes users is around twice as high in those states that do not prohibit the activity.
York continued with a damning conclusion, calling on the authorities to take action.
“The data is clear. Consumers see right through the ‘sweepstakes’ casino facade, and they’re calling it what it is: gambling. 
“We look forward to policymakers continuing to enforce their laws and create clarity through new policy measures to protect their residents.”
The onslaught against sweepstakes continues after BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt spoke out to discredit the alternative social casinos in a recent interview.
He stated that the sweepstakes should be made illegal, as it’s a negative for the regulated sector, while welcoming the actions taken in states such as New York, California, Connecticut to outlaw the activity.
Image credit: AGA
The post AGA research indicates users consider sweepstakes as gambling appeared first on ReadWrite.

Boyd Gaming has confirmed the completion of the previously announced agreement to sell its 5% equity share in FanDuel to Flutter.
The transaction, worth $1.75 billion, means Flutter now has full ownership of the prominent US sports betting brand.
Despite this new status, Flutter may face a dilution of its shareholding and total control, as an existing rights option held by Fox Corporation allows it to acquire 18.6% of FanDuel’s equity by December 3, 2030.
The price for this transaction to go ahead is currently estimated at $4.5 billion.
Beyond the headline sale, Boyd Gaming is expected to benefit along with Flutter as part of an ongoing strategic partnership through to 2038. 
The Nevada-based developer, which reported second-quarter revenues of $1 billion, indicated in its press release that the cash proceeds from the $1.75b deal would be used toward settling existing debt liabilities, while it will also seek fresh growth opportunities and return value to shareholders.
Flutter is expected to gain from reduced market access costs in states where Boyd Gaming is the gatekeeper for FanDuel’s presence, with the savings expected to reach the $65 million mark annually. 
Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania have been pinpointed as key markets to secure this operational efficiency.

Approximately $1.75B later, Flutter Entertainment is officially the proud owner of 100% of FanDuel*
*subject to Fox Corp.’s ongoing option to buy 18.6% of FanDuel pic.twitter.com/bkpIOqA5zH
— Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) July 31, 2025

Future relationship with Fox Corporation
The equity option held by Fox is based on a full cash payment and subject to conditions, including licensing requirements. If they do proceed with it, there would be a significant impact on Flutter and its ownership structure, but there are protections embedded into the deal from the high cost price and aforementioned licensing terms. 
Further value and scope for growth could be unlocked from potential future partner agreements between Flutter and Fox in the evolving media and sportsbook sectors.
Also, as part of the headline deal, FanDuel will continue to operate Boyd Gaming’s retail sportsbooks outside of Nevada through to June next year, with Boyd taking full responsibility after that point. 
Until then, Boyd Gaming will receive set per-state fees from FanDuel’s online operations.
Image credit: FanDuel
The post Boyd Gaming completes sale of FanDuel holding to Flutter appeared first on ReadWrite.