Pulsz Pulls Plug on Arizona Follow Cease-And-Desist Notice

After receiving a cease-and-desist notice from the Arizona Department of Gaming, Pulsz, the Yellow Social Interactive product, is leaving the state. 

The sweepstakes casino has announced that the phased exit began on Aug. 26 and will conclude on Sept. 19. 

As of Aug. 27, both Pulsz and Pulsz Bingo's terms of use include Arizona in their excluded states list. 

Along with Arizona, the excluded list at Pulsz includes Washington, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Alabama, Tennessee, Connecticut, New York, West Virginia, Louisiana, Maryland, and Arizona. 

Pulsz also doesn't allow sweepstakes play in New Jersey and Mississippi. 

The Pulsz Exit Strategy

Here's the exit timeline, per Pulsz's email to players: 

It begins on Aug. 26. Players won't be able to make any purchases. They can still play with existing Gold and Sweeps Coins, though. 

Next, on Sept. 5, players won't be able to play games anymore but can make redemption requests. 

Finally, on Sept. 19, all Arizona accounts will close completely, and redemption requests cannot be made. 

In addition to Pulsz, Modo.us, Stake.us, and High 5 received a cease-and-desist. 

They all left the state. 

Cease-And-Desists Sent on Aug. 15

On Aug. 15, the Arizona Department of Gaming sent four cease-and-desist notices to Pulsz, Betty Sweeps, Thrillz (the platform also left Tennessee days after leaving Arizona), and Fliff. 

A press release from the ADG said these platforms were “illegal online gambling platforms, including ‘sweepstakes’ casino-style models and event wagering sportsbook betting options.”

It also said the following: 

“The active operations of these companies and online websites in Arizona are alleged to be felony criminal enterprises, and each operator has been directed to desist from any future illegal gambling operations or activities of any type in Arizona.”

While these outlets can challenge the cease-and-desist, none have to date. Of course, overturning one would be difficult. 

The parent company of Pulsz, Yellow Social Interactive, is part of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance. Virtual Gaming Worlds, ARB Interactive, and B-Two Operations are also part of this alliance. 

That includes sweepstakes casinos like McLuck, Hello Millions, SpinBlitz, Modo.us, Global Poker, LuckyLand Slots, and Chumba Casino. 

The message from the SGLA is to seek regulation, so challenging the cease-and-desist would go against that. Instead, they'll take the stance of pursuing regulation before returning should that ever happen.