USA

Regulators Boost Fight Against Illegal Online Gambling

June 16, 2026
Priya Patel

US regulators are intensifying efforts to combat illegal online gambling, focusing on new technology and consumer education to protect players from unlicensed operators.

Regulators in states including Florida, Massachusetts, and Nevada are confronting growing difficulties in policing illegal online gambling. Unlike traditional illegal casinos with physical premises, online operators are harder to track, and their payment methods often evade detection. This shift requires a more technology-driven and diverse enforcement approach.

Carl Herold, Director of Law Enforcement at the Florida Gaming Control Commission, described the evolving challenge: “We’ve had to change our enforcement model. It requires that we be much more diverse and technology oriented.” Regulators must adapt to the borderless nature of the internet, where operators can host websites and process payments globally, complicating jurisdictional authority.

For players, the blurred line between legal and illegal gambling sites poses significant risks. Illegal operators often advertise large jackpots but fail to pay winnings. Kevin Mullally, CEO of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), cited cases where advertised winners could not be verified, warning that many illegal sites simply do not honor payouts. He noted one jurisdiction where a purported jackpot winner was later found to have been deceased for years.

To help consumers identify safe platforms, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has introduced a seal of approval for regulated operators. Nakisha Skinner from the commission emphasized the importance of consumer education: “Should anything go wrong in their engagement with a regulated platform, there is some level of assurance that their matter will be reviewed and ultimately resolved.” While resolution may not always satisfy every player, this oversight offers a layer of protection absent in illegal markets.

Brian Krolicki, Vice Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, highlighted that no single jurisdiction can fully police illegal online gambling due to its global nature. He stressed the need for international cooperation and common standards to make it harder for illegal operators to function. The IAGR plans to sponsor an international illegal-gambling-awareness week to inform consumers about the dangers of unlicensed sites.

Technological tools are also in development to help players verify if a gambling site is licensed in their jurisdiction simply by entering the site’s URL. This innovation aims to empower consumers to avoid illegal operators who knowingly operate without licenses or compliance frameworks.

Players should remain cautious and prioritize gambling only on licensed and regulated platforms. Illegal sites often lack consumer protections, fair play guarantees, and responsible gambling measures, increasing the risk of financial loss and harm.

Regulators also face challenges due to limited enforcement powers in some states. According to Ed Martin, CEO of the Sports Betting Regulators Association, some regulatory bodies lack police powers, which complicates efforts to shut down illegal operators. This underscores the importance of cooperation between jurisdictions and the development of new enforcement tools.

For players seeking reliable information on gambling regulation and player protection, visit our USA section and Betting news. To learn more about responsible gambling, see our Responsible Gambling coverage.

Sources: CDC Gaming, CDC Gaming.

Priya Patel
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