The AGA is calling for new prosecutions of the online gaming operators that are currently operating offshore, a precursor for what might be called “Black Friday 2.” In the letter, Miller advocates for the investigation and prosecution of several offshore companies – Bovada, MyBookie and BetOnline were mentioned outright – that Miller states are operating in violation of federal and state law.
“While the challenge of illegal gambling is not new, the brazen and coordinated manner in which it occurs – both online and in communities – has elevated this problem to a level that requires significant federal attention. We urge the Department to make it a priority to act…to protect American customers, crack down on illegal operators, and enforce federal regulations.”
“Illegal operators have been put on notice – their days as a scourge on our nation are numbered,” Miller concluded in his letter. “These bad actors prey on vulnerable customers, offer no consumer protections, do not ensure integrity or fair play, and generate no economic benefits for states and/or tribal nations.”
Miller’s arguments in his letter to AG Garland do have validity. When it comes to illegal gaming in the U. S. – be it online or live – there are many that have taken advantage of players. Either through shutting down their sites (Lock Poker) or operating gaming operations that do not adhere to gaming regulations and testing, unregulated gaming operations exist outside the reach of normal law enforcement. Additionally, there are no legal recourses for players if there are issues.
The DoJ could be more active in making the difference known to customers, Miller believes. He states that the federal government could be proactive in educating the citizenry about legal gaming options that exist. In addition to that point, Miller believes the Feds could also do more to point out how illegal gaming could be dangerous.