Arizona regulators are at it again, this time sending multiple cease-and-desist letters to illegal sports betting operators and unregulated sweepstakes and peer-to-peer exchanges.
The Arizona Department of Gaming sent six cease-and-desist letters last week to unlicensed and unregulated AZ sports betting and online casino operators.
“Illegal gaming — no matter the platform or format — has no place in Arizona,” ADG Director Jackie Johnson said in a release. “Whether it’s sweepstakes, online casino-style games, or unauthorized sports betting, if an operation exists outside of the state’s legal and regulatory framework, we are prepared to take enforcement action.”
Arizona sports betting laws
The ADG said the cease-and-desist letters were sent to operators found targeting Arizona residents unlawfully. It said the operators are in violation of the following laws: Promotion of Gambling, Illegal Control of an Enterprise and Money Laundering.
The six operators are:
- ARB Gaming dba Modo.us (sweepstakes)
- Epic Hunts (sweepstakes)
- Generiz (sportsbook)
- ProphetX (peer-to-peer exchange)
- MyBookie (multiple)
- BetUS.com.pa (multiple)
Johnson said the ADG is committed to ensuring operators contribute to the Arizona economy and provide consumer protections.
Arizona warned consumers
Earlier this year, the ADG sent out multiple PSAs to educate Arizonans about legal and regulated gambling.
“It is important to remember: Just because you can download the app, access the website, and play the games does not mean the platform is legal or safe,” the ADG reiterated in its release last week.
The department also asks consumers to report suspicious gaming activity, fraud or identity theft.
Growing action against illegal operators
Arizona joins the growing list of state regulators sending out cease-and-desist letters to unregulated and unlicensed online gambling operators.
Michigan has led the charge, sending out more than 30 letters since last spring. Most recently, Michigan confirmed its investigation of sports prediction markets, which have caused a number of states, including Nevada and New Jersey, to send C&D orders.
The American Gaming Association has asked the federal government for assistance in shutting down the illegal market.
