Arizona Cracks Down on Unlicensed Gambling Operators

Arizona has drawn a hard line in the sand against unlicensed online gambling operators targeting its residents. The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued a series of cease-and-desist letters to several domestic and international entities running unauthorized gambling platforms, including online casinos, sweepstakes, sports betting, and peer-to-peer wagering. This move highlights Arizona’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal gambling, reinforcing the importance of regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and market integrity. Operators must immediately cease Arizona-facing activity or risk further legal consequences. Meanwhile, licensed stakeholders are urged to help raise consumer awareness and support enforcement efforts.

Arizona Regulator Issues Sweeping Cease-and-Desist Orders Against Illegal Online Gambling Operators

3 Key Points:

1. The ADG has taken enforcement action against unlicensed online operators, including Modo.us, BetUS, and MyBookie.
2. These platforms offered casino-style games, sweepstakes, sports wagering, and exchanges without meeting Arizona’s requirements.
3. Director Jackie Johnson stressed that illegal operators harm the economy and consumer trust in the regulated gambling sector.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has launched a significant crackdown on unauthorized online gambling activity, issuing cease-and-desist letters to a list of domestic and offshore entities accused of illegally offering gambling services to residents of the state.

This latest move underscores Arizona’s ongoing efforts to preserve the integrity of its regulated gambling market, which has grown rapidly in recent years with the legalization of sports betting and fantasy sports.

Who Was Targeted?

The cease-and-desist letters were sent to several operators accused of unlawfully targeting Arizona consumers with unlicensed gambling products. These include:

• ARB Gaming, LLC / MODO.us (Online Casino)

• BITMODO LLC / Epic Hunts (Sweepstakes Platform)

• Generiz (Event Wagering Sportsbook)

• ProphetX (Peer-to-Peer Wagering Exchange)

• MyBookie and BetUS.com.pa (Multi-product Gambling Platforms)

The platforms allegedly provided access to slot-style games, sweepstakes, horse racing, sports betting, and exchange-based wagering without ADG approval.

“These operations are not licensed by the state and fail to meet Arizona’s strict regulatory requirements,” said an official statement from the ADG. “They pose significant consumer protection and financial risks to Arizonans.”

Each operator has been instructed to immediately block access to Arizona residents and suspend all gambling operations within the state’s jurisdiction.

A Message from the Regulator

Jackie Johnson, ADG Director, minced no words in her warning to illegal operators:

“Illegal gaming—no matter the platform or format—has no place in Arizona. Whether it’s sweepstakes, casino-style games, or unauthorized sports betting, operations outside our legal framework will face enforcement.”

She added that illegal gambling drains the economy, undermines licensed operators, and puts consumers at risk of fraud, addiction, and data loss.

Consumer Protection Alert

The ADG recently released a public safety alert warning residents about fraudulent online gambling platforms falsely claiming partnerships with licensed tribal casinos. These scams use misleading branding and language to lure players, many of whom assume the sites are legally authorized.

The department urges consumers to verify operator licenses through official channels and report suspicious websites. Complaints about illegal gaming are now being prioritized by the ADG’s enforcement division.

Arizona’s regulatory message is crystal clear: operate legally or face the consequences. As the U.S. gaming market matures, the enforcement of jurisdictional boundaries is critical to ensuring fair play, responsible gambling, and tax revenue collection.

Licensed operators and affiliates must exercise due diligence when marketing to Arizona residents. With ongoing enforcement efforts and increased public awareness, Arizona is firmly establishing itself as a model for regulated gambling integrity in the United States.