US attorneys general call for action against illegal offshore gambling operations
Fifty attorneys general have sent a letter to the US Department of Justice.
US.- A coalition of 50 attorneys general have called on the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to take action against illegal offshore gambling operations. They have sent a letter to US attorney general Pam Bondi urging the DOJ “to prioritize enforcement efforts targeting unlawful online sports betting and gaming platforms that operate outside the bounds of US law.”
The coalition has called for injunctions and website seizures under federal law and coordination with financial institutions to block unlawful transactions. They argued that offshore entities fail to implement consumer protections and evade state regulations and taxes. They cite estimates suggesting that illegal online gaming may exceed $400bn in annual volume, resulting in more than $4bn in lost tax revenue for states.
The letter reads: “Our States have heard reports concerning growth in the illicit offshore gambling markets that could be harming our citizens. While we as States do all we can to protect our citizens, such unlawful enterprises undermine the rule of law, threaten consumer protection, and deprive our States of significant tax revenues and economic benefits. We seek the USDOJ’s cooperation in ensuring these companies are brought to justice to the fullest extent available under state and federal law, both criminal and civil, for any potential violations.”
Gaming regulators in seven US states recently called on the US Department of Justice to make combating illegal, offshore sportsbooks and online casinos a priority.
