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Arizona Gaming Regulator Targets Unauthorized Gambling Sites

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has continued its crackdown on unauthorized gaming sites as it issued four more cease-and-desist letters to operators across its sports betting and sweepstakes casino sectors. The department is working tirelessly to curb unregulated gambling activities and promote responsible gaming.

While the state is making progress on its goals, many players still look for trusted sites that offer more games, bigger bonuses, and fair rules. The Card Player Arizona page is a good place to start. It lists some of the top online casinos available to Arizona players, with details on welcome bonuses, free spins, and low entry limits. This helps players find fun, safe, and reliable options without the risks of unlicensed sites.

The guilty operators could face charges for claims like money laundering, unlawful supervision of an enterprise, and gambling promotions. These new orders come after the ADG issued five cease-and-desist letters to unregulated operators in June. Jackie Johnson, the ADG’s director, explained that the department was just doing its job in protecting Arizonans from illegal gambling platforms.

The director also added that the recent development shows the department’s commitment to its mission, which is to ensure that all operators abide by the state’s gaming laws. She assures the public that the department will continue to investigate and monitor all gaming activities in the state while ensuring those found guilty of breaching the law will be brought to book.

On August 11, 2025, the state’s gaming department, in partnership with the Arizona Media Association, launched its first-ever statewide campaign aimed at raising awareness about illegal gambling operators and to also promote responsible gambling. The campaign, which started off with a couple of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) aired both in Spanish and English, is designed to help consumers know and recognize legal and regulated operators while educating them on how to make informed decisions while gambling.

The PSAs are currently running on radio, print, TV, and digital platforms. The campaign also saw the department launch a new tool, known as the Check Your Bet webpage. This tool contains a list of all the licensed tribal casinos and fantasy sports operators in Arizona. With this tool, bettors can also report any suspected cases of illegal gambling and request self-exclusion, which is a voluntary program that allows people to exclude themselves from fantasy sports or tribal casinos.

ADG director Jackie Johnson has admitted that there are many illegal gaming options on the market. However, she is committed to ensuring that Arizonans get only world-class gaming options. She also explained that through the Check Your Bet tool, the department is hoping that people will become more aware of ways to play safely and responsibly.

Overall, Arizona’s gambling industry has had a strong start in 2025. In the first quarter, players placed over $2.45 billion in bets, and tribal casinos added more than $42 million to state programs in the second quarter. These results show how big the industry has become and why the ADG is stepping up efforts to keep it safe, fair, and well-regulated.

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