All 50 State Attorneys General Call on Justice Department to Combat Offshore Casinos

• All 50 state attorneys general are asking the DOJ to target offshore gambling operations.
• Legal online casino gambling is permitted in only seven states.
• Offshore casinos and sportsbooks are actively targeting players in states where online gambling is prohibited.

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In a united front, all 50 state attorneys general are urging the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to ramp up enforcement of federal and state laws governing online gambling laws. This call to action has gained momentum as illicit offshore gambling operations have proliferated across the country.

In a letter spearheaded by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), they implored the US Attorney General, stating that the rampant illegal gambling operations pose significant threats to their citizens. The letter reads, “Our States have heard reports regarding the growth of illicit offshore gambling markets that could be harming our citizens. While we, as States, do everything in our power to protect our citizens, such unlawful enterprises undermine the rule of law, threaten consumer protection, and rob our States of crucial tax revenues and economic benefits.”

Escalating Problem

Offshore gambling websites primarily focus on players from states where online casinos aren’t permitted, accounting for 43 out of the 50 states in the US. These fraudulent sites often operate from jurisdictions with lax gaming regulations, including the Philippines, Malta, Curacao, the Isle of Man, and others.

Despite regulatory efforts in these jurisdictions to ensure fair play, they typically do not restrict access to their online games by players in prohibited regions. Many of these offshore platforms also provide sports betting options.

Currently, only seven states—Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia—permit online casino operations. Operators like DraftKings and FanDuel are licensed in these areas, yet residents in the remaining 43 states still have access to unregulated offshore sites.

Offshore Copying Legitimate Casinos

Many American casinos have had their names, images, and reputations exploited by these offshore platforms, which use misleading advertising to lure unsuspecting customers into believing they are engaging with legitimate gaming operations.

Instances of fraudulent advertising involving notable venues, such as MGM’s Beau Rivage, have grown rampant across social media platforms, prompting legitimate casinos to alert the public about these scams.

Furthermore, the attorneys general are calling on the DOJ to pursue both seizures of assets and domain names associated with illegal operators, collaborate with financial institutions to block unlawful transactions, and dismantle the financial networks that support these offshore gambling operations.

In summary, the ongoing challenge that unregulated offshore gambling presents to state economies and the integrity of legitimate gaming is significant. With all 50 state attorneys general rallying to reinforce the existing laws, action from the Department of Justice could strengthen enforcement and protect thousands of potential players from falling prey to illegal gambling schemes.

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