Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) Intelligence Agents, with aid from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (“AZDPS”), successfully concluded an investigation into an alleged illegal gambling operation involving gun raffles in Tucson, Arizona.

This operation resulted in the arrest of two (2) individuals, who face multiple felony charges, and the seizure of four hundred and fifty-two (452) firearms, plus ammunition, firearm accessories, over $4000 in cash, and bank accounts.

“Record-breaking seizures like this only further highlight the criminal activity that illegal gambling establishments attract when they go unregulated, posing a significant threat to public safety,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “I commend the exceptional work of our ADG Intelligence Unit for their unwavering dedication in investigating and addressing illegal gambling activities throughout the state. Their thorough and diligent efforts play a crucial role in protecting the public and ensuring compliance with Arizona’s gaming laws. I also want to extend my appreciation to our partners at the Arizona Department of Public Safety for their vital support during this enforcement operation.”

“I would like to congratulate the Arizona Department of Gaming on this sizable seizure of weapons and ammunition. Thanks to their efforts, two criminals are off the streets, and over 450 firearms are no longer available for criminal use.” Said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “I’m proud of the work done by my agency and we will continue to assist any law enforcement agency that requests our help. Collaboration between agencies in the State of Arizona is stronger today than ever, and the AZDPS will always be dedicated to those continued partnerships.”

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Following this recent enforcement action, the Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to exercise caution when conducting raffles, bingo, or other forms of social, amusement, or charitable gambling to ensure they are in full compliance with the law. ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report suspected illegal gambling activity, visit our website, call (602) 255-3886, or email [email protected]. You can remain anonymous.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has backed Texas to legalise online sports betting in the state’s next legislative session. 

Christie helped pave the way for sports betting liberalisation across the US by bringing the Supreme Court case that led to the repeal of PASPA.

The case was fought and won by prominent conservative lawyer Ted Olson, who Christie hired to argue the case for states to make their own decisions on sports betting. Olson died last week at the age of 84.

After Missouri became the 39th US state to legalise sports betting in some capacity, attention has quickly turned again to the big three states of Texas, California, and Florida.

“I think it’ll happen in Texas in the next legislative session,” said Christie, speaking to Covers.com. The next session is due to commence in Texas on January 14, 2025.

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Christie is less confident about California, however, where competing sports betting ballots failed in 2022 amid a bitter dispute and lobbying war between online operators and local tribes.

California is seen as essential to the future prospects of US sports betting operators, given its size and wealth and dramatic impact on the country’s total addressable market (TAM).

“I don’t know about California,” said Christie. “This really takes gubernatorial leadership, and Gavin Newsom has got to decide if this is one of the issues he wants to lead on.

“Without gubernatorial leadership, the legislature won’t do it because they’re pulled like taffy in too many directions by too many different interests. Without the governor pushing for it, I just don’t think it’ll happen.”

Despite another potential setback in California, Christie has backed sports betting to penetrate pretty much every state eventually.

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“I really believe sports betting is inevitable to go just about nationwide, because people in America love their sports, they just do,” he said. “I think it is in the leagues’ best interests to grow their audience. The government gets some piece of the pie out of that which they enjoy, and the public seems to be pretty happy for the most part.”

Depending on expansion, US sports betting could, in theory, reach every state. It would then become a national issue, but Christie has warned the federal government not to interfere.

“Let the states handle it,” he said. “The states are doing fine. You haven’t heard of anything awful or irreversible happening since each state has been involved and they should have the ability to decide whether they want gambling or not.

“I don’t think the federal government should have anything to do with it and I don’t think they ever should have. I don’t think they have to be babysitters for the governors of the country.”