Illegal Gambling

IAGR Launches First Illegal Gambling Awareness Week

October 28, 2026
Priya Patel

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) will hold its first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week from November 9 to 13, 2026, aiming to educate players worldwide about the risks of unlicensed online gambling sites.

This global initiative is designed to help players verify whether gambling websites are properly licensed in their jurisdiction before placing bets or making deposits. The campaign’s core message is straightforward: “Before you bet, check whether the site is licensed where you are playing.“

Players using unlicensed gambling platforms face significant risks. These include the possibility of unpaid winnings, limited avenues for dispute resolution, and the misuse of personal or financial information. Unlicensed sites often do not provide the responsible gambling protections mandated for licensed operators, increasing the potential for gambling-related harm.

Moreover, consumers may inadvertently support criminal enterprises involved in activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, or terrorist financing when engaging with unregulated operators. The awareness week seeks to reduce these risks by equipping players with educational resources and practical tools to verify licensing status.

A key feature of the campaign is the launch of CheckBeforeYouPlay.org. This free online tool allows players to enter a gambling site’s URL and check its licensing status across participating IAGR jurisdictions. The tool draws on verified regulatory records and public sources, helping players make informed decisions and avoid potentially harmful sites.

The campaign materials, available in both English and Spanish, include 30-second and 15-second videos, social media content, draft press releases, and talking points. These resources will be distributed by IAGR members, consumer protection agencies, and responsible gambling organizations to maximize reach during the awareness week.

Players should be cautious of websites that appear professional or well-known but may lack valid licenses in their location. IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally emphasized this point, stating, “People often mistake visibility for trust.” This highlights the importance of verifying licensing before engaging with any gambling operator.

The initiative encourages consumer-protection agencies and responsible gambling organizations to participate actively. IAGR members can customize campaign materials with their branding, issue local announcements, and arrange media interviews to effectively reach their audiences.

This awareness week complements ongoing efforts to enhance player protection and promote responsible gambling worldwide. Players are urged to take this opportunity to review their gambling habits and ensure they only engage with licensed and regulated platforms.

For players in regions such as the USA, UK, and Europe, where online gambling regulation varies, this campaign offers a practical resource to confirm the legitimacy of operators before committing funds.

Players can access the licensing check tool starting November 9, 2026, at CheckBeforeYouPlay.org. This tool, developed with input from Sharp Vision, a Paris-based regulatory technology firm, helps identify unlicensed gambling sites by cross-referencing regulatory data from IAGR member jurisdictions.

By promoting awareness and providing accessible verification tools, IAGR aims to reduce the prevalence of illegal gambling and protect consumers from the financial and personal risks associated with unlicensed operators.

For more details, visit the official IAGR announcement on CDC Gaming.

Priya Patel
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