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50 US attorneys call for intensified enforcement against offshore gambling
50 US attorneys general formally demand that the Department of Justice (DOJ) intensify enforcement against illegal offshore gambling operations.
The alliance of 50 US attorneys general from US states and territories sent a letter to US Attorney General Pamela Bondi, expressing a growing concern over the unlicensed, foreign-based online gambling platforms that continue operating in violation of US law. They believe these companies undermine state regulatory frameworks, endangering consumers, and cost the governments billions in lost tax revenue.
The alliance, headed by Attorneys General Mike Hilgers (Nebraska), William Tong (Connecticut), Andrea Joy Campbell (Massachusetts), and Derek Brown (Utah), outlined the various ways in which offshore gambling operators have infiltrated the US market.
These platforms often avoid licensing requirements, don’t verify the age or identity of players, and offer little to no consumer protection. One of the pressing matters is also the significant financial impact. The letter included assessments, which mention that offshore gambling may account for more than $400 billion in annual bets, depriving the states of nearly $4 billion or more in tax revenue each year.
The letter also outlined the connection between offshore gambling and criminal activity, mentioning detailed associations with money laundering, fraud, and even human trafficking.
To address the issues, the alliance demands that the DOJ use its full enforcement methods. Among the recommended methods is the use of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to pursue injunctive relief against illegal websites and payment processors.
Additionally, the letter advocated for asset confiscations under federal statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 1955(d), targeting domains, servers, and financial proceeds associated with the operations. Also, the attorneys called for strengthened collaborations with payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard, both of which have previously pledged to investigate illicit gambling transactions.
The letter expressed a willingness among state officials to work together with federal agencies to formulate and implement a cohesive enforcement strategy.
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