Utah Attorney General Derek Brown Moves Against Online Gambling

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown has declared gambling a public nuisance and signaled a crackdown on “fringe gambling” such as sweepstakes-style casino games. Brown’s office has not commented on whether specific enforcement actions are forthcoming.

Salt Lake Tribune

Utah law bans all forms of gambling, including sweepstakes casinos, and permits residents to sue operators for twice the amount of money they lose. Despite the ban, several gambling-related companies have contributed financially to Brown’s campaign. Las Vegas Sands, a casino operator now focused on properties in Macao and Singapore, made a $50,000 donation in April—the firm’s first and only contribution to Brown. Two sweepstakes-casino platforms, ARB Gaming LLC (January) and VGW LuckyLand Inc. (September), each gave $5,000. A company spokesperson did not return a request for comment on the purpose of the Las Vegas Sands donation.

Salt Lake Tribune

Brown’s public statement frames gambling as a “public nuisance” and emphasizes Utah’s “unmistakable” resolve to protect families. He indicated that the state will pursue legal avenues available under Utah law to curb both traditional and online gambling activities.

Salt Lake Tribune

• Las Vegas Sands: $50,000 donation (April) – first contribution to Brown.

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• ARB Gaming LLC: $5,000 donation (January).

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• VGW LuckyLand Inc.: $5,000 donation (September).

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• Total disclosed contributions from gambling-related entities: $60,000.

Salt Lake Tribune

• “To turn every computer into a casino is simply taking it too far.” — Andy Abboud, Las Vegas Sands executive “To turn every computer into a casino is simply taking it too far.” — Andy Abboud, vegas sands executive

Salt Lake Tribune

These developments illustrate the tension between Utah’s strict anti-gambling statutes and the financial outreach of gambling operators seeking influence over state policy.

Salt Lake Tribune