Illinois authorities have sent more than 60 cease-and-desist letters to alleged illegal online casino and online sweepstakes gaming platforms operating in the state.
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and the state Attorney General’s office have joined forces to issue over 60 cease-and-desist letters to companies that are allegedly operating illegal online casino and online sweepstakes gaming platforms in the region. The notices demand that the recipients cease all operations and block residents from accessing their services immediately.
If the warnings are not heeded, civil and criminal penalties could be next in line for the operators. Any games that award money or other prizes of value are prohibited under the state’s law.
“Illegal online gambling operations threaten consumer protections, undermine responsible gaming safeguards, and are antithetical to the public’s interest in regulated gaming,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter in a public statement. “The IGB will continue to evaluate all available regulatory and law enforcement tools to combat illegal gambling and to protect Illinoisans.”
Gambling in Illinois
In the middle of last year, Illinois introduced a per-bet gambling tax, sparking warnings about a potential rise in illegal operators. Generally speaking, the state has a fairly strict approach to gambling, only allowing regulated betting for licensed riverboat casinos, land-based casinos holding an owner’s license, racetracks with organizational gaming licenses, sportsbooks licensed under the Sports Wagering Act, and video gaming licensees licensed under the Video Gaming Act.
“The law is clear: Gambling in Illinois must be properly licensed and regulated,” said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Unlicensed gaming operators put Illinois consumers at risk and undermine the integrity of our regulated gaming market. We will continue to work with the Illinois Gaming Board to protect our residents and hold illegal operators accountable.”
The IGB offers a list of licensed and approved sportsbooks, casinos and video gaming operators on its website, urging Illinois residents to only use regulated gambling operators..
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