The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released a public service announcement (PSA) regarding the dangers of illegal gambling, titled Great Odds, High Risk, to help familiarize US residents with the consequences of playing on unregulated platforms.
"While sports betting has become more widespread in the US, with 39 states and the District of Columbia legalizing some form of sports betting, illegal sportsbooks and illegal online gaming sites are still prevalent," the FBI said.
"These illegal sportsbooks and online gaming sites have significant consequences for the American public, the US economy and the integrity of sports betting in the US. Individuals engaged in illegal gambling risk funding organized crime activity and becoming vulnerable to violence, extortion and fraud."
The FBI also called attention to the American Gaming Association (AGA)'s recent estimation that US residents wager $673.6bn annually on illegal and unregulated markets, including sports betting, iGaming and unregulated machines.
The PSA stated one of the FBI's priorities is investigating organized crime groups which operate prohibited sportsbooks to "disrupt and dismantle" such operations.
The Bureau continued: "Many offshore gambling websites advertise towards US consumers, obfuscating their overseas presence and providing US consumers with a false sense of comfort. These offshore sportsbooks are not held to the same legal standards as US licensed sportsbooks and may lack consumer protections, increasing the risks for US-based users.
"The FBI Crime and Corruption in Sport and Gaming Program combats threats of influence from organized crime groups and other criminals who seek to operate illegal gambling operations and undermine the integrity of sport."
The FBI also included tips to help ensure players are betting in a legal and responsible manner, such as staying informed of federal, state and local laws to validate all wagers are being placed through a legal sportsbook operator.
Zitro joined the AGA as its newest member on December 17, where the supplier will now participate in advocacy efforts, exchange best practices and contribute to policy discussions
