Key Moments:
- The Arizona Department of Gaming reported an increase in consumer complaints related to unlicensed gambling platforms in recent months.
- The regulator launched new resources to help Arizonans verify the legality of gaming sites and access support services.
- More than 11,000 individuals have used Arizona’s Self-Exclusion Program since 2004.
Statewide Concerns Over Unregulated Gambling Operations
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has expressed concerns about the rising number of complaints from consumers regarding unlicensed online gambling platforms. This alert has come after the beginning of the football season and during Responsible Gaming Education Month.
According to the ADG, recent complaints point to issues such as ambiguous terms and conditions, account freezes after withdrawal requests, as well as extended delays or non-payment of winnings. These problems are associated particularly with unregulated sites that do not adhere to state requirements.
Consumer Protection Initiatives and Resource Launch
The ADG has launched a new Responsible Gaming website as part of its efforts to safeguard players. This resource highlights three main support tools: Check Your Bet, which enables users to verify the licensing status of gambling sites in Arizona; the Self-Exclusion Program, with enrollment exceeding 11,000 individuals since 2004; and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline, which offers around-the-clock assistance for those in need of support or treatment.
| Program/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Check Your Bet | Online tool to confirm if a gambling site is licensed in Arizona |
| Self-Exclusion Program | Allows individuals to prevent themselves from accessing legal gambling platforms; used by over 11,000 since 2004 |
| 1-800-NEXT-STEP Helpline | 24/7 support and treatment information for anyone seeking assistance |
Regulatory Collaboration and Ongoing Enforcement
In a recent discussion, ADG’s public information officer Dayne O’Brien emphasized the department’s efforts to work with tribal gaming regulators in sharing information and coordinating enforcement. The ADG is also collaborating with licensed operators to identify and respond to suspicious gambling activities.
📢 TODAY: ADG Warns of Gambling Scams and
Highlights Consumer Protection Tools ⤵️👍 If you choose to #gamble this #NFL season, please remember to:
✅ Check Your Bet
🤝 Play Responsibly
🫂 Seek #ProblemGambling help if neededFull news release here: https://t.co/g9Ogzm5Hsx pic.twitter.com/Skbwq6mXRn
— Arizona Department of Gaming (@AzGaming) September 15, 2025
Regulator Statements on Consumer Risks
Jackie Johnson, director of the ADG, said: “Responsible Gaming Education Month is the perfect time to remind Arizonans that while legal, regulated gaming options are available to all Arizonans ages 21+, there are also deceptive operators eager to take advantage of fans during football season.
“Unregulated platforms lack responsible gaming safeguards, age verification, and offer no consumer protections, which puts Arizonans at risk. That’s why the Department is promoting resources to give every Arizonan the tools they need to make informed choices and play responsibly.”
Elise Mikkelson, director of the division of problem gambling, commented: “Licensed operators in Arizona are required to provide responsible gaming safeguards. When people play on unregulated sites, those protections are missing and people are more vulnerable.
“That’s why Arizona’s helpline exists: to ensure every Arizonan has access to the support they need. With more than 11,000 Arizonans choosing to enroll in the state’s self-exclusion program since it began, it’s clear that no one is alone in taking steps to protect themselves. And if you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
