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The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued cease-and-desist orders to five online gaming operators, alleging they offered illegal gambling services to Arizona residents and, in some cases, allowed users younger than 21 to participate.
The orders target BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc. and Raffle Creator.
According to the ADG, the enforcement actions allege conduct that could constitute felony violations under Arizona law, including promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise and money laundering.
Regulators cite underage gambling and other violations
State regulators allege BetOpenly, Club WPT Online Poker and Raffle Creator allowed individuals under Arizona’s legal gambling age of 21 to access gambling products.
The department also alleges BetOpenly and Kutt Inc. improperly profited from gambling activity by acting as third-party beneficiaries, which Arizona law generally prohibits.
“Our top priority is protecting Arizonans, and I’m grateful for the efforts of our intelligence unit led by Chief Law Enforcement Officer Doug Jensen to do just that,” Arizona Department of Gaming Director Jackie Johnson said in an ADG news release.
“Through these cease-and-desist orders, we are putting operators on notice: Their conduct runs contrary to Arizona law and they must stop promoting illegal gambling.”
According to the department, none of the five companies is headquartered in Arizona. Bookmaker is based in San Jose, Costa Rica, while the remaining operators maintain headquarters elsewhere in the United States.
The ADG said the companies must immediately stop offering gambling services in Arizona. The department also warned that violations could lead to criminal prosecution, civil enforcement actions, asset forfeiture and restitution for affected consumers.
Arizona continues push against illegal online gambling
Arizona legalized retail and online sports betting in 2021 through licensed operators, but online casino gaming remains illegal. State officials continue to encourage consumers to verify that sportsbooks and fantasy sports operators are licensed before placing wagers.
