The American Gaming Association (AGA) has sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General, Merrick Garland, requesting the Department of Justice to take action against gambling firms Bovada, MyBookie, and BetOnline, as well as the broader unregulated gambling sector.
In the letter, the AGA asserts that these unregulated operators present a risk to consumers, state economies, and the legal gambling industry.
The AGA calls for action against unlawful online sports betting and casinos, as well as unregulated “skill game” machines. The association urges the Justice Department to address illegal gambling by investigating and prosecuting the largest offshore operators, such as Bovada, MyBookie, and BetOnline, which openly disregard federal and state laws.
The AGA urges the Justice Department to tackle illegal gambling by clarifying that skill-based machine manufacturers must adhere to the Johnson Act’s registration requirements and anti-money laundering standards, and by taking proactive enforcement action against entities that do not fully comply with these standards.
The issue of unlawful gambling, while not a fresh concern, has become increasingly bold and organized both online and in local areas. This has escalated the matter to a point demanding the utmost focus from the national government.
We strongly encourage the department to prioritize action…to safeguard American consumers, combat illicit operators, and enforce federal rules.
Those engaged in illegal operations have been warned: their days of plaguing our nation are numbered.
These criminals exploit vulnerable customers, offer no consumer safeguards, do not guarantee fairness or honest competition, and contribute no economic advantage to states or tribal communities.
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