The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has escalated enforcement efforts against unlicensed gambling activity, targeting several illegal operators both domestic and overseas. Multiple cease-and-desist orders have been issued to entities allegedly offering unauthorized online gambling services to residents of Arizona.
These enforcement actions are part of ADG’s broader mission to safeguard consumers and uphold state gambling laws. The named operators are said to be running illicit gambling platforms, including casino-style slot games, sweepstakes-based models, unauthorized sports betting, horse race wagering, and peer-to-peer betting exchanges — all of which fall outside Arizona’s licensed regulatory framework.
Unlicensed Operators Named in State Action
The operators cited in the enforcement action include:
- Event Wagering Sportsbook: ReBet
- Peer-to-Peer Exchange: Novig
- Raffles: Dallas Safari Club, Fanthem
- Sweepstakes Platform:us
- Multiple Offerings: BettorEdge, High 5
According to ADG, these businesses are operating in direct violation of Arizona law and have been instructed to immediately halt all gambling-related services within the state. Their activities are alleged to constitute felony criminal conduct, including:
- Promotion of Gambling (A.R.S. § 13-3303)
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise (A.R.S. § 13-2312)
- Money Laundering (A.R.S. § 13-2317)
Enforcement Sends Message to Industry
“Illegal gambling, regardless of the platform or format, has no place in Arizona,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG.“Whether it’s online casino-style games, sweepstakes models, or unauthorized sports betting, any operation that falls outside Arizona’s legal and regulatory framework will face enforcement action. Illegal gambling doesn’t just break the law; it robs our state’s economy and puts consumers at risk. The Department stands firmly with our licensed and regulated operators who are following the rules, contributing to Arizona’s economic health, and upholding the protections that a regulated market provides.”
Protecting Players in the Digital Age
With unregulated gambling on the rise, ADG is urging all individuals—whether residents or visitors—to exercise caution before participating in gaming activities. Many sites that appear legitimate may actually be operating illegally and lack the safeguards mandated under Arizona law.
ADG warns that unlicensed platforms can expose users to serious risks including identity theft, fraud, and financial losses. Furthermore, because these operations are not under state oversight, consumers who experience issues typically have no avenue for recourse or support.
To verify the legality of a gambling platform, individuals are encouraged to consult ADG’s official database of licensed event wagering, casino, fantasy sports, and horse racing providers at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.
Reporting Illegal Gambling or Suspicious Activity
If you suspect a gaming platform is operating illegally or impersonating a licensed provider, take the following steps:
- Gather information such as the website URL, app name, business name, and promotional materials.
- Report it to ADG at [email protected] and to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or azag.gov/consumer.
- Stop all activity on the platform and monitor financial accounts.
- If identity theft is suspected, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov (English) or RobodeIdentidad.gov (Spanish).
Source:
“Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Several Cease-and-Desists”, Press Release. Jun 27, 2025
The post Arizona Shuts Down Unlicensed Gambling Operators Targeting Residents first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.