The Illinois Gaming Board has issued more than 60 cease-and-desist letters to operators allegedly running illegal online casinos and online sweepstakes gaming platforms across the state.
“Illegal online gambling operations threaten consumer protections, undermine responsible gaming safeguards and are antithetical to the public’s interest in regulated gaming,” Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said.
“The IGB will continue to evaluate all available regulatory and law enforcement tools to combat illegal gambling and to protect Illinoisans.”
The cease-and-desist orders were sent in coordination with the state’s Attorney General’s office, demanding operators “immediately block” Illinois residents from accessing its platforms or discontinue offering prizes to Illinois users.
The Illinois Gaming Board also stated that any failure to comply with the cease-and-desist orders could result in civil or criminal penalties for unlicensed operators.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul also spoke on the cease-and-desist orders, having said, “The law is clear: Gambling in Illinois must be properly licensed and regulated.
“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.”
On January 27, the Illinois Racing Board suspended the organization license of Suburban Downs racetrack for failing to provide documentation which demonstrates its financial integrity as well as proof it could meet the minimum standards defined in state’s Horse Racing Act.
Despite awarding Suburban Downs with an organization license on October 9, the Racing Board chose to cancel events scheduled to take place at the racetrack on January 3 and 4.
The Illinois Lottery was once again granted level four certification under the WLA’s Responsible Gaming Framework on February 5, which evaluates operators on principles such as research and employee training
