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The Illinois Gaming Board has joined a global campaign to help consumers identify illegal online gambling sites, according to illinois.gov. The initiative includes checkbeforeyouplay.org, which checks whether a gambling website is licensed in the consumer’s jurisdiction, illinois.gov reported.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) organized Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, running November 9–13, according to illinois.gov.
Checking a Gambling Site’s License
The free Check Before You Play tool lets consumers check a website’s URL before wagering, IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally said, according to illinois.gov.
“People frequently mistake familiarity for trust,” Mullally said in the illinois.gov announcement.
Mullally warned that familiar operators may lack local licensing. He also said illegal operators deliberately build credible-looking websites to deceive consumers, the outlet reported.
Unlicensed sites can leave consumers without dispute resolution or responsible gambling protections. The announcement also warned that those sites may put consumers’ financial information in fraudsters’ hands.
Regulators Coordinate Consumer Warnings
Arizona’s Department of Gaming, Great Britain’s Gambling Commission and Ontario’s gambling regulator are also supporting the awareness week, InterGame reported.
Unregulated operators aggressively target Arizona residents and falsely advertise themselves as legal there, Arizona officials said, according to InterGame.
Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter pledged continued collaboration with regulators and law enforcement to combat illegal gambling.
For Illinois consumers, the board maintains lists of licensed and approved sportsbooks, casinos and video gaming operators, illinois.gov reported. Suspected gambling-law violations can be reported confidentially through its Prohibited Conduct Reporting Portal or hotline at (855) 494-0237.
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Sources: As reported by illinois.gov and InterGame.
