Indiana Warns of Illegal Casino Site Scam

Key Takeaways:

• Illegal gambling site deceives Hoosiers with fake casino affiliations
• Attorney General and Gaming Commission alert public to the scam
• Only sports wagering is currently authorized for online gambling in Indiana

Indiana's Attorney General Todd Rokita and the Indiana Gaming Commission have issued a warning about an illicit gambling website attempting to dupe residents by posing as legitimate, state-licensed casinos. This deceptive operation not only violates Indiana law but also lacks crucial consumer protections that are mandatory for authorized online gaming platforms.

The fraudulent website has been running social media advertisements, particularly on Facebook, using the names and branding of various Indiana casinos without permission. These ads are designed to mislead Hoosiers into believing they're interacting with a legitimate online gaming site that includes standard safeguards.

Attorney General Rokita emphasized the importance of public awareness in combating such schemes. 'Educating the public about this scheme is critical to preventing scammers who are taking their chances at hustling a profit off unsuspecting Hoosiers,' Rokita stated. He added, 'A little bit of awareness goes a long way toward enabling individuals to exercise good judgment and to steer clear of fraudsters.'

The illegal platform fails to provide essential protections required by state-regulated online gaming, such as ensuring patrons can access their funds, preventing minors from participating, and implementing responsible gaming measures. These omissions put users at significant risk.

In response to this threat, the Office of the Attorney General and Indiana Gaming Commission are pursuing action against the entities responsible for the deceptive advertisements on Facebook, which is owned by Meta.

It's crucial for Indiana residents to understand that sports wagering is currently the only form of online gambling authorized and regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission. To protect themselves, consumers should follow these steps before providing personal or payment information:

1. Verify the company's license and authorization on the Indiana Gaming Commission's public website.
2. Check the 'About the advertiser' information on social media ads to confirm the profile name matches the company name.
3. Be wary of generic ad names like 'Online Games.'
4. Ensure online ads link to the company's official website URL.

Individuals suspecting illegal gambling activity are encouraged to report it to the Indiana Gaming Commission via its confidential hotline at 1(866) 610-TIPS or online. For any suspected scams, Hoosiers can file a complaint with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General by visiting indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by regulators and law enforcement in the rapidly evolving online gambling landscape. As the industry continues to grow, maintaining vigilance and educating the public about potential risks remain paramount in protecting consumers and preserving the integrity of legal online gaming operations.