The case was brought on July 28, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. The complaint asks to refund all money spent, void the site’s arbitration clause, and block further sweepstakes games.
What the Lawsuit Says
The suit names MW Services, WOW Vegas’s operator, and says the site markets “free-play” games but forces players to buy Sweeps Coins. These coins link one-to-one with the U.S. dollar and can be spent on games for a chance to win prizes.
The complaint notes that when players run out of Sweeps Coins, they often buy more bundles even if they still have “WOW Coins,” the free-play currency. This shows, the suit argues, that users are really gambling with something of value.
The filing defines gambling as “staking something of value on an event determined predominantly by chance.” It says WOW Vegas’s games use chance and promise real prizes, so they fall under Illinois gambling law.
The plaintiff, Marlena Wieseman, claims she spent over $10,000 on the site since 2022 and was misled by the dual-currency system. She seeks to form a class of all Illinois users who spent money on the platform.
Why Illinois Laws Matter
Under Illinois law, offering casino-style games for money without a license is illegal. The lawsuit argues that WOW Vegas bypasses rules by calling itself a sweepstakes casino.
It also points out that the site’s terms of use force disputes into arbitration, but those clauses should be voided if the games are illegal. If successful, this case could set a precedent for other sweepstakes casinos operating without proper licenses.
Lawmakers in New York and Connecticut have already barred similar sites, and California is considering action. The Illinois suit joins roughly 49 pending lawsuits against sweepstakes casinos nationwide. Regulators worry these sites avoid taxes on winnings and skip consumer protections found in licensed gambling. A win for the plaintiff could push states to tighten rules around dual-currency gaming and protect players from hidden risks.
