Using illegal gambling websites carries risks, FBI warns

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation highlighted the importance of using regulated gambling operators, explaining that it is each individual bettor's responsibility to wager legally and responsibly
• The federal agency reaffirmed its dedication to combating illegal gambling and upholding the integrity of sports
• Using offshore, unlicensed gambling companies carries risks for the consumers

During a time when sports betting is expanding rapidly across the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reiterated the importance of using legal betting operators and warned about the risks of illegal gambling.

A newly released Public Service Announcement by the FBI highlighted the negative impact of illegal gambling, explaining the inherent risks for consumers who use the services of the black market instead of licensed betting and casino operators.

The FBI remains dedicated to taking down illegal sportsbooks and criminal organizations

Notably, the FBI spoke about the responsibility each bettor has to ensure they are wagering legally as a way to protect themselves and avoid involvement in unlawful activities such as money laundering, or become victims of crimes like fraud, extortion or violence.

An initiative of the federal agency called the FBI Crime and Corruption in Sport and Gaming Program currently fights against the potential impact of organized crime groups involved in gambling that attempt to undermine the integrity of popular sports.

"Organized crime groups run illegal gambling operations, including online sportsbooks, to generate revenue for other criminal activities, such as human, drug, and weapons trafficking," the Public Service Announcement reads.

What's more, the federal agency further wrote: "One of the FBI's priorities is to investigate organized crime groups who operate illegal sportsbooks to disrupt and dismantle these operations. Beyond the possible funding of organized crime activity, bettors who wager with illegal bookmakers put themselves at risk of extortion and violence if they are unable to repay debts."

Besides becoming victims, the use of illegal gambling operators carries other risks for the consumers.

Players who turn to illegal casino and betting operators risk losing their money, as well as earnings, the FBI warned.

At the same time, using unregulated, offshore casinos and betting websites can lead to crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion.

"It is each bettor's responsibility to play with a licensed and regulated sportsbook operator," the FBI reiterated.

To ensure consumers are using licensed operators, they are encouraged to inform themselves of federal, state and local regulations.

Usually, each state's gambling regulator publicly displays relevant information about the gambling activities permitted within the state limits and the list of operators that hold a license to offer such activities.

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