A new sweepstakes social casino and sportsbook has launched with the same branding as one of the largest illegal sports betting operators broken up by the US government more than a decade ago.
Legendz Social Casino & Sportsbook announced Monday it is rolling out its platform to 43 US sports betting markets. The free-to-play platform is available to those 18 and older.
“Legendz is introducing a groundbreaking approach to rewarding loyal users and retaining its players with its unique daily reward slot game,” Managing Director Charlie McMaw said in a release. “The game will offer a chance to win hundreds of free Sweeps Coins every single day. We’re transforming traditional rewards into an engaging experience, staying true to our core value: delivering entertainment at its finest.”
While there are no direct ties, the Legendz brand was used by one of the largest illegal sports betting platforms that the US government broke up in 2013.
Legendz social offerings
The operator is led by Henrik Persson Ekdahl, Mikael Harstad and George Westin, all of whom have experience with regulated gambling operators.
Legendz offers a suite of slot and table games. It also offers an array of sports betting options, including totals, player props and parlays.
Users can play the games two ways: via gold coins or sweeps coins. Customers receive sweeps coins as a bonus when they purchase gold coins. Users can then use sweeps coin winnings to redeem cash prizes after hitting certain thresholds.
Users can receive daily rewards for visiting each day, including free sweeps coins.
Where is Legendz available?
There are seven states where Legendz is not available:
- Idaho
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Washington
Major offshore sports betting case
In 2013, the US Department of Justice indicted 34 individuals and 23 entities in an illegal sports betting operation tied to Legendz Sports. The business solicited more than $1 billion in illegal bets, according to the department.
Based in Costa Rica and Panama, the operation began in 2003 using bookies in the US to accept bets and settle the wagers. The operation used payment services like Western Union to facilitate the funds.
LSR broke down the saga in a multi-part series in 2019. The case is widely seen as a defeat for the prosecutors despite a $12.5 million forfeiture.
“These defendants allegedly participated in an illegal sports gambling business, lining their pockets with profits from over a billion dollars in illegal gambling proceeds,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman said at the time. “Today’s charges demonstrate that we are as determined as ever to hold accountable those involved in facilitating illegal online gambling by U.S. citizens, regardless of where the business operates, or where the defendants reside.”
