The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the UK, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,” currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to “Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home”.

According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.

As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.

“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing. Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“the Department” or “ADG”) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the United Kingdom, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the ‘Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,’ currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to ‘Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home.’

According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.

As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.

“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity.”

Why This Operation Is Illegal

Arizona law prohibits gambling unless it is specifically authorized (A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 33). There is no exception for so-called “sweepstakes.” Raffles may only be conducted by Arizona charitable, tax-exempt organizations (A.R.S. § 13-3302(B) & (C)), and personal profit is prohibited. Only individuals 21 years of age or older may legally participate in gambling in Arizona.

Because this operation is accessible to users under the age of 21, is conducted for personal gain, and is not conducted by a qualified nonprofit, it violates Arizona law. Additional potential felony violations include:

• Promotion of Gambling – A.R.S. § 13-3303
• Illegal Control of an Enterprise – A.R.S. § 13-2312
• Money Laundering – A.R.S. § 13-2317

Furthermore, foreign-based platforms, such as Raffall, do not adhere to Arizona or U.S. gambling laws, leaving consumers without essential protections.

Consumer Protection Advisory

As illegal online gambling activity continues to rise, the Department urges all residents and visitors to be cautious when participating in gaming, whether online or in-person. Regulated gaming provides important consumer protections, ensuring fair play and fair drawings, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience.

If you purchased entries in this illegal gambling operation:

• Stop participating immediately and do not buy additional entries.
• Contactyourbank or credit card company to dispute the charges or request a chargeback. Your financial institution is the best avenue for seeking a refund.
• Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
• IdentityTheft.gov (English)
• RobodeIdentidad.gov (Spanish)

Important: The Department cannot assist with refund requests or individual disputes against unlicensed platforms. Consumers must work through their financial institutions to protect themselves and/or retain legal counsel. They may also file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or azag.gov/consumer.

The Arizona Department of Gaming has launched its first-ever statewide Public Education Campaign focused on protecting consumers, promoting public awareness, and reducing the harms associated with unregulated gambling. This is a significant milestone in the Department’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment.

Arizona offers a variety of legal, regulated gaming options throughout the state, including tribal casinos, event wagering, fantasy sports, and parimutuel wagering. For 30 years, ADG has safeguarded the integrity of Arizona’s gaming industry through rigorous oversight, licensing, and enforcement in accordance with the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. This new campaign expands on that mission by educating Arizonans on how to avoid illegal gambling and access support services when needed.

The campaign is designed to inform and empower the public by emphasizing the risks of engaging with unlicensed operators and providing them with tools to identify legal, regulated options. It aims to reduce consumer vulnerability, prevent exploitation, and help individuals make informed decisions if they choose to participate in gaming activities.

The campaign kicks off with a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs), developed in collaboration with the Arizona Media Association, which will be aired across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms. Available in both English and Spanish, the PSAs will:

• Educate the public on how to identify legal, regulated gaming operators in Arizona

• Emphasize consumer protection and the safeguards provided by regulated gaming environments

• Highlight the role regulated gaming plays in supporting Arizona communities and essential services

• Promote the 1-800-NEXT STEP helpline, which connects individuals to confidential, 24/7 support for problem gambling.

To complement the PSAs, ADG has launched the Check Your Bet webpage, which serves as a centralized resource to verify regulated gaming and access consumer protection tools. The webpage includes:

• A searchable list and interactive map of authorized Tribal Casinos in Arizona

• A searchable list and interactive map of licensed Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Operators and their retail locations

• Information on Advanced Deposit Wagering Providers (ADWPs), Off-Track Betting (OTB) locations, and permitted horse racing tracks in Arizona

• How to access the Division of Problem Gambling’s Helpline, a confidential Problem Gambling Self-Screening Quiz, and additional supportive resources

• How to request Self-Exclusion, a voluntary program to prohibit oneself from Tribal Casinos and Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Contests

• Guidance on submitting tips about suspected illegal gambling to the Department and filing consumer complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of providing world-class gaming regulation and consumer protection. This campaign is about empowering Arizonans who choose to participate in gaming with the knowledge to make informed, responsible decisions. As illegal and unregulated options on the market increase, the Check Your Bet webpage serves as a key resource for the public to verify licensed operators and access support. By directing viewers from our PSAs to this tool, we’re helping ensure people not only play safely, but also know where to turn if they or a loved one are struggling with problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Since its founding in 1995, the Department has worked tirelessly to ensure that Arizona’s gaming industry operates with transparency, integrity, and responsibility. The campaign will run through the end of March 2026 and reflects ADG’s commitment to a safe, transparent, and well-regulated gaming landscape in Arizona.