Florida and Illinois are stepping up efforts to tackle illegal gambling. Florida is pushing for tougher penalties against illegal slot machine operators, while Illinois has joined an international campaign to raise awareness of unregulated online gambling platforms.
Florida Gaming Control Commission Head Alana Zimmer noted that a penalty for illegal slot operators is currently a misdemeanor, which, according to her, is insufficient.
Zimmer said: “It’s much more severe than a misdemeanor. A lot of times these will even get dismissed because they’re misdemeanors. A lot of times, people won’t want to prosecute them because of crimes that they deem more serious.”
She further warned that unregulated machines may involve unfair payouts and payment fraud, leaving players without regulatory protection.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Gambling Board (IGB) has partnered with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The latter is launching an international player awareness campaign to help the public detect and avoid unregulated online wagering platforms, in which the IGB will take part.
A central part of the initiative will be a new verification website that lets players check the regulatory status of online operators in their jurisdictions before placing bets.
Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter noted: “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.”
Furthermore, IAGR officials stressed that the global reach of online sports betting and casinos requires regulators to work together across borders.
Hard Rock Bets, operated by the Seminole Tribe, is Florida’s only licensed online gambling platform
