FBI Issues Public Service Announcement

The FBI released a public service announcement warning American gamblers to stay away from illegal online casino and sports betting websites.

Notably, the release explains the burden lies with the bettor to ensure they are betting legally and responsibly with sports betting and online casino sites regulated and licensed by state authorities.

“These illegal sportsbooks and online gaming sites have significant consequences for the American public, the U.S. economy, and the integrity of sports betting in the U.S.,” the release reads. “Individuals engaged in illegal gambling risk funding organized crime activity and becoming vulnerable to violence, extortion, and fraud.

“As a federal law enforcement agency, the FBI enforces criminal statutes, including those involving organized crime and illegal gambling operations. The FBI emphasizes each bettor’s individual responsibility to ensure they wager legally and responsibly.”

Risks Of Illegal Online Casino Sites

The FBI Crime and Corruption in Sport and Gaming Program is in charge of eliminating “threats of influence from organized crime groups” and “other criminals” who seek to run illegal gambling operations and “undermine the integrity of sport.”

Funds from illicit gambling operators routinely fund other crimes, including the trafficking of humans, drugs and weapons, the release said.

Gambling with those sorts of entities leaves the bettor open to a number of risks, the FBI warned:

  • Potential extortion and/or violence if unable to pay debts
  • Unpaid winnings with no legal recourse to recover
  • Tax evasion
  • Money laundering

How To Spot Legal Online Gambling Sites

Finding a legal online gambling site comes down to one simple question: is it legal or not in your state?

More states offer sports betting than not, with more than 40 U.S. jurisdictions offering some form of legal betting. Online casino is not as common as just seven states have passed legislation to legalize them.

If yes, the state’s gambling regulators typically keep a list of all licensed and allowed domains for gambling.

Another option is to check the website for a seal from said gambling regulator that identifies it as a legal operation.

Photo by AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File