The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is issuing this Consumer Protection Alert to inform Arizonans of a concerning nationwide trend that has now reached Arizona. Fraudulent operators are falsely claiming that legitimate Arizona casinos have launched online gaming platforms. These illegal online casino platforms are presenting themselves as legitimate platforms by offering illegitimate or illegal gaming services. Online casinos (often referred to as “igaming”) are not legal in Arizona. Any claims otherwise should be treated as highly suspicious. These scams not only put players at financial risk but also undermine the integrity of Arizona’s regulated gaming industry.

ADG has received multiple reports of fraudulent online casinos targeting Arizonans, as well as complaints from patrons who have been misled. These scams are being widely disseminated through social media advertisements directing consumers to download apps and visit websites, and are enticing unsuspecting consumers to spend money on illegitimate games.

The Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to verify the legitimacy of any online gaming platform before engaging in play. Many of these operations are not legal or regulated, leaving users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, and other serious risks. Due to their unregulated nature, ADG is unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from unregulated and illegal gaming sites, leaving victims with little to no chance of recovering lost funds. It is important to remember that just because you can download the app, visit the website, and play the games, it does not mean it is a legitimate and legal gaming platform.

In light of these developments, the Department encourages both Arizona residents and visitors to visit our website to find a list of all regulated casinos and licensed event wagering and fantasy sports operators legally taking bets in Arizona. The list can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov. Legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants.

The Dangers of Illegal Online Casinos:

Fraudulent online casinos often mimic reputable platforms, using familiar branding, flashy advertisements, and enticing promotions to lure victims. These unregulated operations leave participants vulnerable to:

• Financial loss through fake gaming platforms or fraudulent prize fees.
• Identity theft resulting from shared personal or financial information.

Common Red Flags of Illegal Platforms:

These deceptive platforms often use tactics such as:

• Mimicking branding of legitimate Arizona casinos, including similar or actual logos and names.
• Enticing promotions that appear too good to be true, such as excessive bonuses or guaranteed wins, luring players into providing sensitive information.
• Incorrect Website URL/Mobile App – Fraudulent sites often use web addresses that closely mimic legitimate casino names but have slight misspellings or different domain extensions (e.g., .net instead of .com).

How to Protect Yourself:

• Check before you bet: verify the licensed and regulated casinos and operators in Arizona.
• Be skeptical of advertisements or promotions on social media promising guaranteed wins or no-risk gaming.
• Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources.
• Look for sites that include resources for dispute resolution, as well as self-exclusion, responsible gaming messaging, or a toll-free helpline number.

Reporting Suspicious Activity, Fraud, or Identity Theft:

If you encounter fraud, identity theft, or suspicious online gaming operations, apps, or websites impersonating a casino or claiming to be a licensed operator in Arizona, please take the following steps:

1. Document the website URL, app, business name, and any promotional materials associated with the fraudulent operator.
2. Report it to ADG at [email protected] and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or by visiting azag.gov/consumer.
3. Cease activity on the platform and monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.

If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”): for help in English, go to IdentityTheft.gov and for help in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).

Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.

A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.

QUOTE

“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”

Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:

• 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
• 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.

Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities: