Arizona’s Department of Gaming ordered five online gambling operators to stop doing business in the state, accusing them of illegal wagering, underage access and other conduct that could amount to felonies under Arizona law. The companies named were BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc. and Raffle Creator.
In a Friday press release, the department said it was sending legal notices to the companies and scrutinising them for promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise and money laundering, according to KTAR. Jackie Johnson, the department’s director, said the action was meant to uphold Arizona law and protect residents, adding that the operators’ conduct “runs contrary to Arizona law”.
Arizona generally does not allow gambling unless it is specifically approved by law, and the legal gambling age is 21. Officials also said online casino games and online poker are not legal in the state.
BetOpenly was accused of offering peer-to-peer sports betting and casino-style games that generated commissions for the operator, as well as daily fantasy contests and event wagering without the required state licences. Regulators also said it may have allowed people under 21 to use the platform.
Bookmaker was accused of offering horse-racing wagers, casino-style games and sports betting without the proper Arizona licences. Club WPT Online Poker was accused of letting people under 21 enter pay-to-play poker tournaments for prizes, while using “no purchase necessary” language that officials described as misleading.
Kutt Inc. was accused of allowing Arizona users to deposit money and bet on sports, politics and pop culture, as well as to play casino-style games. Officials said Arizona’s social-gambling rules do not allow a third party to profit, and Raffle Creator was accused of failing to meet the requirements for lawful nonprofit raffles and of letting people under 21 buy tickets for prize drawings.
The department said future steps could include criminal charges or civil action against the entities, principals and employees. It also said it could seek restitution for people who lost money and forfeiture of funds tied to the alleged illegal activity, and urged residents to check the approved-operator list before gambling. Consumers can submit anonymous tips by email at [email protected] or by phone at 602-255-3886.
