The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) recently warned residents of the dangers of illegal sweepstakes platforms and online casinos. It coincided with Identity Theft Awareness Week in the US, with ADG reminding us that scammers can take many forms when attempting to target unsuspecting consumers.
“Due to their unregulated nature, ADG is unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from unregulated and illegal gaming sites, leaving victims with little to no chance of recovering lost funds. In light of these developments, the Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to verify the legitimacy of any online gaming platform before engaging in play.”
One method to verify if a sweeps casino is legitimate is via our sweepstakes casino reviews here on SweepsKings. Our experienced team members know the industry inside out and are able to deliver the final word on whether you should trust a platform.
ADG’s Player Protection Guidelines
Arizona is a fairly typical US state in that, currently:
- Physical casinos are legal
- Traditional online casinos are illegal
- AZ sweepstakes casinos operate within a gray area
- Online sports is legal
It’s important to note that ADG did not warn consumers of sweepstakes casinos in its announcement, only illegal and illegitimate versions. In an educational flyer, the ADG offers guidelines on recognizing whether a sweepstakes casino is operating above board. It’s a great list that lines up with much of the criteria we use in our reviews.
To summarize, a sweepstakes casino should:
- Free participation and no purchase necessary.
- Provide customers with the same winning odds irrespective of spending.
- Free participation should not be hindered by extra forms or steps.
- Not falsely represent that an individual is the winner of a prize.
- Clearly provide and display the option to participate for free in the same manner, and with the same odds of winning, as someone who chooses to pay.
- Do nothing to suggest that payment is required, make free participation limited, or more difficult.
- Display rules for the games or contests.
- Disclose the principal place of business and an address at which the sponsor or mailer may be contacted.
- Provide the estimated odds of winning.
- Indicate the schedule of any payments made over time.
- Comply with federal law including 39 U.S.C.A. § 3001, which is a law concerning sweepstakes in the US.
A Challenging Year for Sweepstakes Casinos
This warning from the ADG comes during a challenging year for sweepstakes casinos so far.
Despite operating legally under sweepstakes laws, the industry is coming under increased pressure from the traditional gambling industry and lawmakers.
One example is in Mississippi, where one state senator is seeking to outlaw sweepstakes sites, while in New York, another state senator has announced plans for a sweepstakes ban.
Author: Bogdan Lunkan
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