Arizona Department of Gaming warns consumers over unlicensed gambling
The regulator said it has seen an increase in consumer complaints about unlicensed gambling operations.
US.- The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued a warning about unlicensed online casinos and sports betting platforms. The announcement comes after the start of the football season and in the middle of Responsible Gaming Education Month.
The ADG said there had been a rise in complaints about unregulated gambling sites in recent months. Consumers had cited problems such as unclear terms, frozen accounts after withdrawal requests, and long delays or refusal of payouts, it said.
Jackie Johnson, director of the ADG, said: “Responsible Gaming Education Month is the perfect time to remind Arizonans that while legal, regulated gaming options are available to all Arizonans ages 21+, there are also deceptive operators eager to take advantage of fans during football season.
“Unregulated platforms lack responsible gaming safeguards, age verification, and offer no consumer protections, which puts Arizonans at risk. That’s why the Department is promoting resources to give every Arizonan the tools they need to make informed choices and play responsibly.”
The ADG has launched a new Responsible Gaming website and is promoting three main tools: Check Your Bet, an online tool allowing players to confirm whether a gambling site is legally licensed in Arizona; the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, which has been used by more than 11,000 people since 2004; and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline, a 24/7 resource for anyone seeking support or treatment options.
Elise Mikkelson, director of the division of problem gambling, commented: “Licensed operators in Arizona are required to provide responsible gaming safeguards. When people play on unregulated sites, those protections are missing and people are more vulnerable.
“That’s why Arizona’s helpline exists: to ensure every Arizonan has access to the support they need. With more than 11,000 Arizonans choosing to enroll in the state’s self-exclusion program since it began, it’s clear that no one is alone in taking steps to protect themselves. And if you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available.”
In a recent interview with Focus Gaming News, ADG’s public information officer, Dayne O’Brien, highlighted the regulator’s work with tribal gaming regulators to share information and coordinate enforcement and with licensed operators to flag suspicious activity.
