Mass. Gaming Commission Adds Voice to Call to Action Against Illegal Gambling

Summary:

• Regulators want full protection for consumers via licensed only gaming.
• Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada are among other states in the effort.
• Opponents point out lost revenues to offshore providers.

Gambling regulators from across the United States are teaming up to try and stop offshore gaming providers from offering services in the country.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is the latest to join the effort, stating this week that the United States Department of Justice needs to act to protect consumers from the risk of unlicensed gaming.

Stop Unregulated Offshore Sportsbooks and Casinos

The coalition of gambling regulators wants to see the DOJ take action against operators that are offering services illegally in the country. There are several sites that are not licensed that accept real money from players for slots, table games, and more. These sites are not licensed, are unregulated, and pose a threat to players, according to gambling regulators.

The gaming commission in Massachusetts sent a letter this week to US Attorney General Merrick Garland, stating that they too want to see action taken against providers that are not licensed to offer sports betting and casino gaming online.

The state joins several others in the fight against the offshore market. Other states have sent letters to the DOJ including: Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey

In the letter, officials state that safeguards need to be in place to protect American citizens from illegal gambling platforms. The regulators point out how the offshore sites are cutting in to state tax revenues and do not implement measures of protections. The regulators claim that the sites do not protect minors with age verification checks, stop money laundering, or guarantee payouts to consumers.

Emphasis on Illegal Activity

Regulators are trying to stress the downside of the illegal market so officials will take action against such sites. Opponents have pointed out the concern regarding how funds are used in connection with offshore sites, including illegal activities.

Human trafficking and drugs are a major issue around the world. Regulators want to ensure that such activities are stopped, but states can only do so much. With federal action, any significant threat could be thwarted.

Regulators encouraged the DOJ strongly in the letter to place a priority on investigating and prosecuting the offshore sites operating in the US. The regulators want to see the federal government provide assistance as needed to ensure only regulated markets are in action.

This is not the first time a call to action has been made against offshore sites. Last year, the American Gaming Association issued a report showing how illegal gambling existed in the US and called for measures to tackle the black market.