Arizona Warns Gamblers to Avoid Illegal Websites

The state regulator has raised an alarm over the proliferation of illegal gambling websites, and urged consumers to be on their guard when registering at new operators Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The Arizona Department of Gaming(ADG) has issued a warning to residents to be wary of what websites they register to gamble with. As September is traditionally Responsible Gaming Education Month, the ADG reminded players to be careful about registering at non-licensed or offshore gambling websites.

Arizona’s Gambling Watchdog Urges Consumers to Be Cautious of Illegal Operators

These, the regulator said, are not legal in the state of Arizona and could have serious consequences on personal lives and finances. The ADG gave specific examples with players reaching out to the regulator and complaining about frozen accounts over withdrawal requests, ambiguous terms and conditions, and refusal to process complaints.

The ADG said that it had no jurisdiction over such illegal gambling websites and took the opportunity to remind players to only ever register with licensed operators in the state of Arizona. Commenting on this and RGEM, watchdog director Jackie Johnsonsaid:

“Unregulated platforms lack responsible gaming safeguards, age verification, and offer no consumer protections, which puts Arizonans at risk. That’s why the Department is promoting resources to give every Arizonan the tools they need to make informed choices and play responsibly.”

Johnson was joined by the director of the division of problem gambling, Elise Mikkelson, who similarly highlighted the risks associated with joining such illegal gambling websites and what it could mean for people who consistently play with those operators.

“Licensed operators in Arizona are required to provide responsible gaming safeguards. When people play on unregulated sites, those protections are missing and people are more vulnerable,” Mikkelson explained.

Mikkelson also said that Arizona has already ngaken considerable steps to ensure that consumers are protected, including the state self-exclusion program, which has already seen more than 11,000 residentsenrolling and excluding themselves from gambling.

However, the self-exclusion program doesn’t apply to offshore and illegal operators, which means that vulnerable consumers may be targeted by the worst type of gambling content yet.