(CHICAGO) — The Illinois Gaming Board, in coordination with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, has issued more than 60 cease-and-desist letters to entities allegedly operating illegal online casino and online sweepstakes gaming platforms in Illinois.
The cease-and-desist letters demand that entities allegedly operating online casinos or sweepstakes platforms immediately block Illinois residents from accessing their internet sites or discontinue offering prizes to Illinois users. Operators who fail to comply may be subject to civil or criminal penalties under Illinois law. Offering games of chance that award money or other items of value via the internet violates Illinois criminal law.
“Illegal online gambling operations threaten consumer protections, undermine responsible gaming safeguards, and are antithetical to the public’s interest in regulated gaming,” said Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “The IGB will continue to evaluate all available regulatory and law enforcement tools to combat illegal gambling and to protect Illinoisans.”
Illinois law allows legal gambling only for licensed riverboat casinos, land-based casinos holding an owners’ license, racetracks with organizational gaming licenses, sportsbooks licensed under the Sports Wagering Act, and video gaming licensees licensed under the Video Gaming Act. Illinois law prohibits the operation of internet sites that allow gambling.
“The law is clear: Gambling in Illinois must be properly licensed and regulated,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “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.”
