The gambling regulator in Arizona, US, has warned consumers of a “concerning nationwide trend” that has reached the state where illegitimate operators are “falsely claiming” that land-based Arizona casinos have launched online platforms.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) noted that igaming has not been regulated in the state and urged customers to be “highly suspicious” of any claims to the contrary.
The ADG said it has received “multiple reports” of “fraudulent” online casinos targeting Arizonans, as well as complaints from patrons who have been “misled.”
“These scams are being widely disseminated through social media advertisements directing consumers to download apps and visit websites and are enticing unsuspecting consumers to spend money on illegitimate games.”
“The Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to verify the legitimacy of any online gaming platform before engaging in play,” the regulator added.
“Many of these operations are not legal or regulated, leaving users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other serious risks.”
The ADG also warned that customers who play at illegal online casinos have “little or no chance of recovering lost funds” due to the regulator being unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from such activity.
