BBB of Central Virginia issues warning about social gaming business
The Better Business Bureau serving Central Virginia is warning consumers to research online sweepstakes and social gaming platforms after a sharp increase in complaints involving Crown Coins Casino.
During the past 12 months, BBB has received more than 340 complaints about Crown Coins Casino, while consumers have viewed the company's BBB Business Profile more than 1,000 times in the last 30 days as they seek information about the business.
“This is a significant uptick in complaints, and the fact that the organization has a mailing address in Fredericksburg is extremely concerning,” said Barry Moore, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Central Virginia. “With the growth of mobile gambling apps, the BBB is working to be vigilant in alerting consumers to concerning activity.”
Many consumers report experiencing significant challenges when attempting to redeem winnings from CCC. According to complaints filed with BBB, customers allege their redemption requests were denied after the company cited violations of its terms and conditions, including duplicate accounts, payment methods not matching the account holder, inability to complete identity verification, or use of the platform from jurisdictions where it is not permitted.
Other consumers report being told their payouts had been transferred to a third-party digital payment provider and were directed to resolve the issue independently.
BBB also has been unable to verify Crown Coins Casino's U.S. business location. While the company identifies a Fredericksburg, Virginia P.O. box, BBB has not confirmed a physical operating location in the state, and no Virginia State Corporation Commission registration was found for Crown Coins Casino or its operator, Sunflower LTD. Public records indicate that it also may operate internationally.
The company is currently the subject of multiple class-action lawsuits filed in several states, which allege that Crown Coins Casino markets itself as a social gaming platform while operating in a manner that plaintiffs' claim constitutes online gambling in jurisdictions where the company is not licensed.
BBB also noted that Crown Coins Casino's published terms and conditions include a mandatory arbitration clause requiring most disputes to be resolved through individual arbitration unless consumers opt out within a specified timeframe after creating an account. The terms also prohibit class-action participation and contain restrictions regarding account eligibility, residency, age requirements, and account verification.
Although Crown Coins Casino's website is currently unavailable, its mobile application remains active for download through Apple's App Store and Google’s Play Store.
BBB officials are warning consumers that they should be aware – before engaging in this platform or any other similar ones – that they understand all terms and conditions and check with their state regulatory agency for Gaming/Lottery/Gambling regulations to make sure they are in compliance.
Those who feel that they have a gambling problem can contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.
