Arizona’s gaming regulator has increased enforcement activity against unapproved gambling platforms by issuing cease-and-desist orders to five operators accused of violating state gambling laws.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued notices to BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator after investigations identified alleged activities involving unlicensed gambling, underage participation and other prohibited conduct.
The department said the operators face allegations involving promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise and money laundering. The actions reflect Arizona’s requirement that gambling activities must receive specific authorization, with participation restricted to individuals aged 21 and older.
Regulator Outlines Concerns With Individual Platforms
The ADG detailed separate allegations against each company. BetOpenly was accused of operating peer-to-peer sports betting and casino games while benefiting from a commission arrangement. The department also alleged the platform offered event wagering and daily fantasy sports contests without required licences and allowed underage users to participate.
Bookmaker was investigated over its offering of horse racing wagers, casino games and sports betting without an event wagering licence or an advanced deposit wagering provider licence. The department stated online casino gaming is not permitted in Arizona.
The regulator alleged Club WPT Online Poker allowed individuals under 21 in Arizona to enter paid online poker tournaments for prizes. The department also challenged the platform’s use of “no purchase necessary” language, stating online poker remains illegal in the state.
Kutt Inc. was instructed to prevent Arizona users from depositing funds and wagering on sports, politics, pop culture and casino-style games. The ADG said legal social gambling rules prohibit third-party financial benefits, which it alleges occurred through the company’s operations.
Raffle Creator was accused of allowing people under 21 to purchase tickets for prize opportunities while failing to satisfy requirements for lawful nonprofit raffles.
Enforcement Measures And Consumer Warnings
The cease-and-desist orders require all five operators to stop gambling activity in Arizona immediately through mobile platforms, online services or other methods.
The ADG said further action could include criminal charges or civil proceedings involving the companies, their principals and employees. The regulator added that operators could face restitution claims for individuals who lost money and possible forfeiture of funds connected to alleged illegal activity.
“Arizona is taking decisive action against illegal gambling operators that put Arizonans at risk,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “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. 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.”
The department advised residents to check that gambling, event wagering and fantasy sports platforms appear on its approved operator list before participating. It said regulated operators must follow Arizona requirements designed to support fair play, secure data handling and consumer protections.
Arizona’s regulated sports betting market recorded $737.2 million in wagers during April, including $734.4 million from mobile betting and $2.8 million from retail locations. The state currently has 14 licensed sportsbooks and recently closed an application period for additional event wagering licences.
Source:
“Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Multiple Operators Linked to Underage Gambling and Illegal Activity”, gaming.az.gov. Jul 10, 2026
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