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.

Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for the U.S. iGaming and online sports betting industry, is announcing that it’s supporting Plannatech, a large B2B Provider, now stepping into the B2C space, in its expansion within the United States through an agreement to provide VMware cloud hosting solutions in Arizona.

Plannatech, leveraging the well-established Betcris brand from the America’s sports betting industry, has selected Internet Vikings for its structured setup processes, stable hosting environment, and technical expertise. This agreement ensures that the B2C iGaming and sportsbook operator benefits from a highly secure and reliable infrastructure, with Internet Vikings’ responsive support playing a crucial role in maintaining smooth operations.

“This is our 2nd state with Internet Vikings, who has been an absolute pleasure working with in providing the solid hosting infrastructure we need as we now expand into Arizona this time as the Operator,” said Adam Bjorn, CEO at Plannatech.

“We value our partnership with Plannatech and extending our VMware cloud hosting solutions to Arizona was the perfect next step as they bring new strategic offerings to the U.S. market,” said Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder of Internet Vikings.

The Arizona sports betting market has seen impressive growth rates, with total handle reaching $791.2M in October 2024. While several operators have struggled to gain traction, Plannatech, utilizing the Betcris brand, is taking a strategic approach and leveraging its extensive experience in competitive markets. By choosing Internet Vikings as their hosting partner, Plannatech ensures a strong, compliant, and resilient digital presence as they expand their U.S. operations.

TheLotter US has expanded its trusted lottery courier service to Arizona, following successful launches in New Jersey and New York just last year. With this latest addition, TheLotter US now operates in five states, including Oregon, and Minnesota.

Yael Hertz, CEO of TheLotter Group, said: “We’re thrilled to expand our service to yet another state. Now, Arizona residents can enjoy the convenience of entering their favorite lottery draws without having to go out and buy a ticket.”

TheLotter US fulfills lottery ticket orders on customers’ behalf at licensed retailers, scans them, and uploads them to their personal accounts before the draw. From there, they can view their ticket and track their numbers with ease.

With years of experience in the industry, TheLotter US is making lottery play more convenient than ever. Their dedicated 24/7 customer support ensures players always receive prompt and reliable assistance whenever they need it.

Over time, TheLotter US has built a loyal customer base by consistently proving itself as a trusted and reliable service.

Creating an account takes just minutes. After verifying their info, users can choose their favorite lottery game, pick their lucky numbers or use Quick Pick, select the number of lines to be added, and confirm their order. TheLotter US will take it from there.

With years of experience and a solid reputation, TheLotter US uses top-tier security measures like GeoTrust 128-bit SSL encryption to protect all transactions. Plus, ticket scans will be viewable in customers’ accounts before the draw for total transparency, and their 24/7 customer support is always there to assist with any and all queries.

Arizona has seen some incredible jackpot wins, including a $108 million Mega Millions prize in Lake Havasu City just four years ago. More recently, in January 2025, a lucky player in Tempe became the sole winner of a $112 million jackpot.

This win has special significance, as the winner purchased their ticket through an online lottery courier service. This incredible win highlights how ticket courier services make it easier than ever for players to enter their favorite draws—and seize life-changing opportunities.

Now that TheLotter US is live in Arizona, Arizona residents have the same opportunity to play for the biggest prizes and create their own “jackpot moment”.

Whether it is a big or small win, customers will be notified by email right away by TheLotter US. Smaller prizes (under $600) are deposited directly into a players’ account. Should a player win a larger prize, TheLotter US will assist them in claiming their prize in person at the official lottery office.