CHICAGO — The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has partnered with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) to launch an international consumer awareness campaign aimed at helping the public detect and avoid unregulated online wagering platforms.
Coinciding with Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, held Nov. 9-13, the initiative centers on a new verification website designed to allow consumers to quickly check whether an online sportsbook, casino, or wagering application holds an active license in their specific jurisdiction before depositing funds or placing bets.
Regulators warn that illicit operators increasingly mimic legitimate, licensed platforms by using professional branding and deceptive design elements, leaving consumers vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and withheld payouts without legal recourse or dispute-resolution mechanisms. Furthermore, unregulated sites operate outside established consumer-protection guidelines, including voluntary self-exclusion lists and responsible gaming safeguards.
“The IGB is proud to stand with IAGR in this important public education and awareness campaign to arm consumers with information about deceptive, unlicensed gambling websites and apps that do not provide critical consumer protections and lack responsible gambling safeguards,” said Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “The IGB will continue to act within its regulatory authority to combat illegal gambling, uphold Illinois law, and protect Illinoisans from fraudsters and grifters, which includes collaborating with fellow gaming regulators and law enforcement agencies across the United States and around the world to confront this global challenge.”
Industry officials noted that the borderless nature of digital sports betting and internet casinos makes international regulatory cooperation essential.
“Illegal gambling websites are increasing in number, becoming more sophisticated, more visible, and making it harder for consumers to distinguish them from legitimate operators,” said IAGR President Brian Krolicki. “Regulators need coordinated tools that help consumers make informed decisions before they wager.”
IAGR Chief Executive Kevin Mullally cautioned that brand familiarity does not always equal regulatory compliance, noting that some sites may hold licenses in offshore jurisdictions while operating unlawfully within the United States.
“Gamblers may be familiar with the website name, but the operator may not be licensed in their jurisdiction,” Mullally said. “In other instances, illegal operators purposefully build sites to appear familiar and credible with the intention of purposefully deceiving gamblers.”
The Illinois Gaming Board maintains an official registry of authorized casino, sports wagering, and video gaming operators licensed under state law. State residents who suspect violations of the Illinois Gambling Act, Video Gaming Act, or Sports Wagering Act can submit confidential tips through the board’s online prohibited conduct reporting portal or by calling the agency’s dedicated hotline.