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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is extending the state's crackdown on sweepstakes casinos to the technology companies carrying their advertising.
On September 25, he announced he sent letters to Google, Meta, Reddit, Snap and TikTok, asking how they are addressing sweepstakes casino advertising to Florida residents. Written responses are due by October 23.
Companies named and lawsuits filed
The letters identify Stake, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and Global Poker, with Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and Global Poker operated by VGW.
Uthmeier's office filed two lawsuits on August 19 against Stake and VGW, naming payment processors as defendants.
The suits allege that the operators are running illegal online gambling businesses in violation of Florida law, with the dual‑currency model among the issues raised.
Customers can purchase packages containing virtual Gold Coins alongside currencies such as Stake Cash or Sweeps Coins, which can be used on the platforms and redeemed for prizes. Florida claims that this model amounts to illegal gambling.
PPC casino advertising under new pressure
The Florida action puts PPC casino campaigns at the center of a broader debate over how major advertising platforms handle sweepstakes operators.
The issue extends beyond individual advertisements to the businesses behind them, with Uthmeier seeking information about how platforms prevent sweepstakes casino promotions from reaching Florida residents.
For advertisers, Google Ads betting policies provide one part of the wider picture, while PPC betting campaigns can face separate requirements depending on the platform and market.
The developments give PPC casino advertisers another regulatory issue to watch when promoting sweepstakes-related services.
Google Ads betting remains subject to Google's gambling advertising policies, while PPC betting campaigns must meet the rules applicable to the platforms carrying them.
As Florida continues its action against sweepstakes operators, PPC casino and PPC betting campaigns involving those businesses could receive greater attention from platforms reviewing gambling-related advertising.
For Google Ads betting, existing certification and market requirements remain relevant as Google responds to Uthmeier's request.
