Missouri Warns of Online Gambling Scam

Summary

• The Missouri gambling regulator has issued a warning to the public about online gambling scams that have spread nationwide and are now affecting the state.
• Unlicensed fraudulent operators are misusing information from legitimate casinos in Missouri, falsely claiming they are "going online."
• The regulatory authority urges consumers to report any suspected fraudulent operators and steer clear of them.

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As the autumn season approaches and legal sports betting is anticipated to launch, Missouri has issued a warning about a national scam that has infiltrated the state. Last week, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC), the state's gambling regulator, announced that fraudulent operators are deceitfully claiming that casinos are becoming available online to customers throughout Missouri.

Missourians are at risk of being scammed by illegal online gambling platforms

In its report titled

the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) warned that unlicensed gambling operators are using images and materials from legitimate Missouri casinos to promote illegal online gambling platforms. Online casino gambling is currently illegal in the state, and the Commission advises treating any claims about legal online gambling in Missouri with skepticism. The MGC did not specify the names of the casinos whose reputations might have been exploited by these fraudulent operators. stated the Commission. The MGC urged Missourians to report illegal operators masquerading as licensed entities to the Federal Internet Crime Complaint Center. Consumers are also encouraged to document the websites, apps, advertisements, or materials related to such scams with screenshots. Unsurprisingly, the MGC advises consumers to steer clear of these unlicensed gambling platforms, warning that personal or banking information could be compromised. the Commission emphasized in its statement.

Consumers are encouraged to avoid unregulated gambling operators

Consumers should avoid using unregulated websites primarily because they might encounter issues with complaint resolution if problems arise. The MGC has cautioned that just because a gambling website claims to be licensed, it doesn't guarantee regulation. Consequently, in the event of disputes or complaints, the Commission cannot assist victims, potentially resulting in financial loss. Like many states, Missouri maintains a list of all regulated operators for fantasy sports, charitable bingo, and casinos. This list, along with options for filing complaints and other pertinent information, is available on the Commission's website.