IGB Joins IAGR in Global Campaign Helping Consumers Identify and Avoid Illegal Online Gambling Sites

"As an IAGR member, the IGB is proud to stand with IAGR in this important public education and awareness campaign to arm consumers with information about deceptive, unlicensed gambling websites and apps that do not provide critical consumer protections and lack responsible gambling safeguards," said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. "The IGB will continue to act within its regulatory authority to combat illegal gambling, uphold Illinois law and protect Illinoisans from fraudsters and grifters, which includes collaborating with fellow gaming regulators and law enforcement agencies across the United States and around the world to confront this global challenge."

"Illegal gambling websites are increasing in number, becoming more sophisticated, more visible, and making it harder for consumers to distinguish them from legitimate operators," said IAGR President Brian Krolicki. "Given the borderless nature of the internet, regulators need coordinated tools that help consumers make informed decisions before they wager. IAGR is launching this awareness campaign and website to give consumers resources to help keep them and their wagers safe."

"We want gamblers to enjoy themselves while remaining safe, and that starts with knowing whether the site they are using is licensed in the jurisdiction; unlicensed is unprotected," said IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally. "People frequently mistake familiarity for trust. Gamblers may be familiar with the website name, but the operator may not be licensed in their jurisdiction, and in other instances, illegal operators purposefully build sites to appear familiar and credible with the intention of purposefully deceiving gamblers. Our simple and free-to-use website allows consumers to instantly check the URL and gamble with confidence."

The IAGR campaign aims to easily identify the risks of unlicensed gambling and show how unlicensed operators often appear familiar and entertaining yet offer none of the safeguards that licensed operators provide. Using unlicensed websites may leave consumers without recourse or dispute resolution, may put their financial information directly in the hands of fraudsters, and may also leave them without responsible gaming protections.

As the global association of gaming regulators, IAGR is uniquely positioned to launch a global educational campaign and online tool to help people, no matter where they live, make informed decisions about the websites they use to gamble.

About The International Association of Gaming Regulators

The International Association of Gaming Regulators is a regulator-led association dedicated to improving the effectiveness of gaming regulation worldwide. IAGR helps regulators exchange knowledge, improve regulatory capabilities, and collaborate on shared challenges through education, information sharing, and international cooperation.