BBB research reveals on-line playing and gaming scams

Millions of individuals throughout North America wager cash on-line day by day, inserting bets on sports activities, enjoying casino-style video games and wagering in prediction markets. However, there’s loads of confusion surrounding on-line playing legal guidelines and rules – making it attainable for folks with unhealthy intentions to make the most of the system.

A brand new BBB research discovered {that a} dangerous underbelly of pseudo-gambling, unlawful playing and fraud has developed alongside the net playing and gaming business. From 2022 to mid-2025, BBB acquired almost 200 rip-off stories and over 10,000 enterprise complaints associated to on-line playing and gaming.

In some circumstances, folks misplaced tens of hundreds of {dollars} – both as a result of they had been confused concerning the guidelines and their state’s legal guidelines, or as a result of cash was stolen from them by a scammer.

Laws and rules within the gaming business fluctuate from state to state and could be complicated to navigate. And scammers use refined techniques, making it onerous to inform the distinction between a reliable firm and somebody searching for to deceive you.

In Missouri and Illinois, there are many extremely regulated and absolutely authorized choices for playing and gaming, like state lotteries and in-person casinos, however on-line gaming continues to be restricted. BBB recommends checking fastidiously to verify the service you’re contemplating utilizing is authorized in your state.

What pink flags ought to I look out for if utilizing playing or gaming companies?

• Big guarantees round payouts
• Tempting adverts with out particulars
• Overseas enterprise places
• Sweepstakes-style video games
• Payment via cryptocurrency
• Typos in names

How can I keep away from points with playing or gaming corporations?

• Read your state and provincial legal guidelines. There are many various legal guidelines for on-line playing, relying on the place you reside. Make certain you perceive your native legal guidelines earlier than partaking with any playing institution or on line casino.
  • Missouri: Online playing shouldn’t be at the moment authorized, however as a result of passage of Amendment 2, on-line sports activities betting shall be permitted beginning on Dec. 1, 2025.
  • Illinois: Online playing shouldn’t be authorized.
• Check for correct licensure. Even in case your state permits playing, it could have a restricted checklist of allowed web sites. After checking whether or not you might be legally allowed to gamble, verify along with your state’s gaming regulatory company to see who’s licensed (the Missouri Gaming Commission or Illinois Gaming Board.)
• Read the nice print. The actuality of how profitable and withdrawal works could also be completely different than your first impression on a web site. Check out the main points of a particular service and absolutely perceive how they work earlier than sending them any cash.
• Even reliable web sites might freeze winnings. There are many the explanation why a on line casino or sportsbook may freeze winnings, even when the cash is rightfully yours. Understand the principles of a web site and what may trigger freezes to occur. Know what actions to take in case your account is frozen