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.

Betfair has launched a new advertising campaign, starring brand ambassadors Ronaldo and Rivaldo. The initiative aims to introduce the new product available to the bookmaker’s customers, Safe Substitution, a differential that reinforces the uninterrupted excitement of the game.

With Safe Substitution, when a player leaves the field, the bet automatically follows the change and the player who comes in to replace him will be valid for the initial bet. This means that, for example, if a bettor places a bet on a specific player to score a goal, but he ends up being substituted before completing the action, the bet will continue with the player who comes in to replace him.

The campaign, created by Ogilvy Brazil, began airing over the weekend and addresses the possibility of what Brazilian life would be like if everything had a safe replacement like the one offered by Betfair.

“Safe Substitution is an innovative new feature that keeps the action alive by ensuring that bets are not interrupted by unexpected changes in the match. We know how frustrating it can be when your bet falls through because your favourite player has been substituted. The launch of this product means that Betfair customers will now always have the opportunity to stay in the game until the final whistle without missing out on any of the action. It reinforces our commitment to listening to our customers and delivering the best betting experiences in innovative and exciting ways for our Brazilian players,” Jess Wilson, senior marketing manager at Betfair.

“We prioritised a creation that exalts the joy and Brazilian spirit. The commercial seeks to connect the Betfair brand with the public in an authentic way,” Rafael Donato, CCO of Ogilvy Brazil, said.

Alexander Davidson, Associate creative director of Ogilvy Brazil, said: “The idea is to show that, just like football, life is full of surprises, but with ‘Safe Substitution’, fun is always guaranteed. Betting with Betfair means keeping the excitement going until the end.”

BETER, the award-winning provider of fast betting content, data, and live streaming for esports and sports, will showcase its full suite of products at SiGMA Americas, taking place in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 7–10. The exhibition will attract more than 18,000 delegates, including over 600 exhibitors and sponsors.

This marks the first time BETER will have a stand (N20) at a LatAm-focused expo, as the region has become a key strategic focus for the company. BETER has already established a strong presence in the market and continues to expand its reach.

BETER’s proprietary ESportsBattle tournaments deliver non-stop betting action across popular titles such as eFootball, eBasketball, and eHockey, totaling over 35,000 events per month. The portfolio has now expanded to include eCricket and Virtual Cricket, with plans to produce an additional 20,000+ events each month.

BETER’s sports content includes its world-renowned Setka Cup table tennis tournaments and BSKT Cup basketball league. The company will also showcase its latest sports additions, including a cricket series, the GTR Cup tennis tournaments, and proprietary padel tennis tournaments, with 170+ planned events per month. Collectively, these three new offerings will total over 3,000 sports matches per month.

Currently, bettors can wager on more than 46,000 BETER`s proprietary fast-paced esports and sports events per month, with up to 50 markets per event and an average operator margin of 7.5%+. All matches are provided with 24/7 live streaming, real-time data, and odds.

BETER will also showcase its Esports Odds Feed, which provides market-leading odds across 450+ tournaments globally, covering 40,000+ live and pre-match events annually. Additionally, delegates can explore BETER’s upgraded iFrame and Managed Trading Services, as well as its advanced Esports Widgets, developed through a data partnership with GRID.

BETER has strengthened its position in Latin America by securing certifications in key markets such as Argentina and Peru. The company has also expanded its regional team with the appointment of Juliana Querino as Business Development Manager.

BETER’s prominence at the event is further highlighted by its shortlisting for Best Innovative Sportsbook Feature and Best Esports Product at the SiGMA Americas Awards.

Gal Ehrlich, CEO of BETER, said: “Latin America is one of key regions for BETER as it’s a market set for incredible growth and where we witness a high demand for our fast betting products.

We are already a trusted content provider with certifications in several markets and a growing roster of operator partners. We look forward to welcoming delegates to our stand so they can experience our thrilling products firsthand.”

Chuck Robinson, Chief Revenue Officer at BETER, added: “The growth potential for Latin America is significant and that’s why we have doubled down on our efforts to position BETER as a strong and reliable content provider for local operators in the region.

“Fast betting content is what players are looking for and we have a portfolio covering both esports and sports that not only meets but exceeds player expectations.

“If you’re attending SiGMA Americas Summit, make sure to stop by our stand so you can see for yourself why fast betting content is so exciting.”