Summary
- Mississippi has intensified its efforts to combat illegal gambling websites that misuse the branding of licensed land-based companies.
- The regulator has warned consumers to avoid online gambling, as it is illegal in the state.
- The regulator has sent cease-and-desist letters to companies it deemed illegal.
Mississippi is facing challenges with unauthorized gambling companies that are becoming more audacious in their marketing efforts. These companies are mimicking the branding of legitimate, regulated gambling businesses to promote social media advertisements that direct unsuspecting consumers to online gambling sites.
Mississippi Gaming Commission goes after offenders in the state
Jay McDaniel, the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, has warned that these actions are part of a sophisticated scheme. On Tuesday, the commission highlighted that several unauthorized gambling companies are misleading potential customers by using the names and likenesses of established coastal casinos to encourage deposits. The regulator has advised the public to exercise caution and verify the regulated status of gambling websites, which, according to the commission's official website, remain illegal: Many companies falsely claim that their online or mobile application games are legal. This is untrue, and any online casino games or sports betting where money is involved are illegal. In addition to warning the public, the commission has also sent ten cease-and-desist letters to companies identified as operating illegally in the market.
Regulator cracks down on individual platforms it deems illegal
These letters have been delivered via traditional and electronic mail, and compliance is required within 14 days of receipt. Our laws are explicit that casino-style gaming and sports betting are prohibited online in Mississippi, except within licensed casinos. The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) is committed to aggressively pursuing both domestic and offshore illegal operators. Currently, the MGC is providing criminal case files to state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution, McDaniel stated. Earlier this year, the state announced further enforcement actions against the sweepstakes casino industry.
