The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued seven cease-and-desist orders last week to unregulated gambling sites, including sweepstakes casino operator Stake.us.
“Illegal gambling, regardless of the platform or format, has no place in Arizona,” ADG Director Jackie Johnson said in a press release. “Whether it’s online casino-style games, sweepstakes models, or unauthorized sports betting, any operation that falls outside Arizona’s legal and regulatory framework will face enforcement action.”
Arizona Department Of Gaming Sent C&D Orders To Six Other Operators
In addition to Stake.us, the ADG sent six other cease-and-desist letters to:
- ReBet (sports betting)
- Novig (peer-to-peer exchange)
- Dallas Safari Club (raffle)
- Fanthem (raffle)
- BettorEdge (multiple)
- High Five (multiple)
The identified operators are offering access to illegal online gambling platforms, including “slot-style casino games, sweepstakes models, sports betting, horse race wagering, and peer-to-peer betting exchanges.”
Sites Are Breaking Multiple Gambling Laws
According to the ADG, the sites are breaking several Arizona gambling laws, including:
- Promotion of Gambling
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
- Money Laundering
The ADG is ordering the operators to take the necessary steps to immediately prevent and exclude Arizona residents and visitors from gambling on their websites.
The gaming regulator remains committed to protecting the state and its consumers to “ensure consumer protections, fair play, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience.”
ADG Sent C&D Order To Modo.us In April
The ADG added that unregulated online platforms expose users to significant risks, including fraud, identity theft, and financial loss. It ultimately cannot assist with complaints or disputes involving unlicensed operators, as such companies fall outside the state’s regulatory authority.
“Illegal gambling doesn’t just break the law; it robs our state’s economy and puts consumers at risk,” Johnson said. “The Department stands firmly with our licensed and regulated operators who are following the rules, contributing to Arizona’s economic health and upholding the protections that a regulated market provides.”
In December 2024, the ADG sent a cease-and-desist letter to offshore sportsbook Bovada. Then in April, Arizona sent multiple cease-and-desist orders to unregulated operators like Modo.us, Epic Hunts, MyBookie, and BetUS.