The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has sent a collection of cease and desist orders to a group of unlicensed gambling operators accepting customers in the state.
The gaming regulator has identified domestic and offshore operators that have been unlawfully targeting residents and visitors in Arizona. The ADG is taking action against unlicensed entities to protect customers while adhering to Arizona’s gaming laws.
The sanctioned operators offer a variety of gaming verticals to customers in Arizona with unlicensed sweepstakes, slot games, horse racing operators, sportsbooks, and peer-to-peer wagering platforms being impacted by the ADG’s recent cease and desist orders.
“Illegal gaming—no matter the platform or format—has no place in Arizona,” said ADG Director Jackie Johnson. “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.”
The operators that have received cease and desist orders from the ADG include sweepstakes and online casino provider ARB Gaming, LLC, which operates MODO.us and Modo. Epic Hunts, another sweepstakes operator, has also been ordered to leave Arizona.
Event wagering sportsbook Generiz has received a cease and desist order while peer-to-peer ProphetX is also poised to cease operations. MyBookie and BetUS.com.pa, operators that offer a variety of gaming options, have also been ordered to exit the state.
The ADG has accused the illegal operators of violating Arizona gaming laws by fostering a criminal enterprise. The regulator also claims that the unlicensed entities are violating the state’s law with the improper promotion of gambling and participation in money laundering.
The ADG has ordered the operators to immediately cease all operations in the state.
Arizona regulator sends a public warning
The ADG is taking regulatory action after releasing a PSA urging bettors in Arizona to proceed with caution when considering online casinos and sweepstakes platforms.
“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 announcement to eligible bettors.
The ADG has taken its stance against online casinos and sweepstakes despite active Arizona law not providing a clear definition for sweepstakes gaming. Arizona law does provide residents and visitors with a strict set of standards for free-to-play offerings.
In addition to warning the public, the ADG is providing residents and visitors with the education and tools to identify and report suspicious gaming activity and fraud.
