State Attorneys General, in conjunction with local authorities, take action against sweepstakes and offshore gambling platforms
The American Gaming Association (AGA) and state attorneys general are taking a stand against illegal offshore gambling and unregulated sweepstakes gaming in the United States. The AGA, representing the legal gaming industry, is urging stronger enforcement and regulatory measures to protect consumers and state tax revenues.
Recent data indicates that illegal gambling accounts for nearly one-third of the U.S. gaming market, generating about $54 billion annually and costing states approximately $15 billion in lost tax revenue. The AGA's survey found that 90% of sweepstakes users reject the claim that these platforms are merely entertainment, recognizing them as gambling activities.
In a joint effort, the AGA and 50 state attorneys general sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General, urging action against offshore gambling sites. The letter highlights the risks posed by unregulated operators who evade rules, taxes, and responsible gaming safeguards.
States are taking action against sweepstakes casinos seen as illegal gambling. Michigan, Washington, and Montana have banned or taken legal action against such casinos, while other states like Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, and Louisiana are considering regulation or prohibition bills.
Enforcement actions are intensifying. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has suspended licenses of suspected illegal operators, and Maryland has issued cease and desist letters to sweepstakes companies.
The AGA emphasizes the need for multi-front efforts, including federal enforcement and cooperation with international partners to shut down offshore illegal gambling and protect consumer safety. The federal government, with its resources and technological expertise, can conduct complex investigations, seize assets, and shut down offshore websites.
States can target companies licensed in their states that are working with illegal operators, payment processors, suppliers of technology, servers hosting the sites, and work with search engines to combat misinformation.
Sweepstakes operators are aware that their actions are illegal. Despite this, half of all online ads that consumers are exposed to are for offshore or sweepstakes casinos, with larger companies spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year targeting Americans.
The AGA's Vice President of Government Relations, Tres York, discussed the survey on the Indian Gaming Association's webinar. The new research on sweepstakes is seen as a valuable tool for rebutting nonsensical arguments from sweepstakes operators.
The response from Indian Country regarding this issue is perceived as still being anemic. The number of monthly sweepstakes players is twice as high in states lacking sweepstakes bans.
In conclusion, the AGA and state attorneys general view illegal offshore gambling and unregulated sweepstakes as significant threats to legal gaming, public safety, and state tax revenues. They are pushing for stricter regulation, enforcement, and legislative actions to combat these issues nationwide.
In response to the escalating concerns about illegal offshore gambling and unregulated sweepstakes, the AGA and 50 state attorneys general have initiated a joint effort, sending a letter to the U.S. Attorney General, calling for immediate action against offshore gambling sites. (politics) Local state authorities are taking enforcement actions against sweepstakes casinos, with Michigan, Washington, and Montana banning or taking legal action, while others are considering regulation or prohibition bills. (general-news)
