The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is taking a stance against illegal online sweepstakes and casino platforms that are accepting customers in the state.
The ADG has released a PSA providing Arizona residents and visitors with resources and tips for safe and responsible gaming in the state. The ADG is urging bettors in the state to proceed with causing when engaging with online casinos and sweepstakes platforms.
The department is warning the public about online sweepstakes and casinos as they grow in popularity but face regulatory scrutiny in markets across the country over their legality.
The department has identified illegal online casinos and sweepstakes platforms operating in the state. As a result of their prevalence, the ADG is urging bettors across the state to verify the legitimacy of online casinos and free-to-play offerings.
“Many of these operations are not legal or regulated, leaving users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other serious risks,” said the ADG in its PSA. “Due to their unregulated nature, the ADG is unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from unregulated and illegal gaming sites, leaving victims with little to no chance of recovering lost funds.”
The ADC is taking its stance to protect players in the Grand Canyon State from potential financial losses and fraudulent fees. Its efforts are also aimed at potentially combating identity theft and the filing of false claims of unpaid taxes by some sweepstakes operators.
The ADG has released its PSA on sweepstakes during Identity Theft Awareness Week.
Arizona gaming law
Online sweepstakes and casinos are under a microscope in Arizona with only certain free-to-play games legal. Active law in Arizona does not provide a definition for sweepstakes gaming but provides a strict set of standards for permissible free-to-play games.
The standards for legal free-to-play contests or games require “no consideration or purchase” and “no added requirements or limitations on free participation.”
The free-to-play games in Arizona must also “provide participants the option to participate for free in the same manner, to the same extent, and with the same odds of winning, as someone who chooses to donate, willingly contribute consideration, or make a purchase.”
ADG warns about gambling scam calls
Last year, the ADG issued a warning to residents and visitors about the rise of gaming scam calls in Arizona and neighboring markets.
The ADG found evidence of scammers in Arizona pretending to be affiliated with the regulator to steal personal information and money from patrons across the state. The scammers claimed to be offering sweepstake contests and wins without participation.
