Attorney general urged by US gaming regulators to take action against illegal gamin

Regulators overseeing gaming in seven US states have jointly appealed to Attorney General Merrick Garland to prioritize the crackdown on illegal offshore sportsbooks and online casinos.

In a letter co-signed by officials from Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Nevada, they emphasized the need for collaboration with the Department of Justice, citing their own inability to tackle the issue effectively without federal support.

The letter, authored by the seven gaming regulators, highlights the various risks associated with illicit offshore betting platforms, which include:

• Insufficient funding for responsible gaming initiatives
• Absence of age verification protocols to safeguard minors
• Lack of measures to prevent money laundering
• No assurance of fair payouts for customers
• Loss of state tax revenue that supports essential programs such as education
• Absence of oversight by state regulators to carry out suitability and background checks

Henry Williams, the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and a signatory to the letter, emphasized the importance of strict laws and regulations governing internet gaming and sports betting in Michigan. He further stated that state regulators like the MGCB play a crucial role in ensuring operators comply with technical standards and reporting requirements, while also providing consumer protections, instilling confidence, and promoting fair and honest gaming practices.

“We are willing to help the U.S. Department of Justice in any way we can as it pursues enforcement of U.S. laws against offshore illegal gaming enterprises that take advantage of our citizens.”

“State regulators like the MGCB ensure operators offer products that pass technical standards and testing, and we also require operators to comply with reporting requirements. Offshore operators flaunt state regulations and offer products that do not protect the public, which greatly concerns me and my fellow state regulators.”

Williams expressed his willingness to collaborate with the US Department of Justice in enforcing laws against offshore illegal gaming operations, which he and his fellow state regulators believe pose a significant threat to the public.

The letter also highlighted the state regulators’ efforts in ensuring operators adhere to payout requirements and dispute resolution procedures, a point they take pride in.