IRS warns of illegal gambling ahead of football season

• The IRS acknowledged that illegal gambling persists throughout the year and not only around the start of the new football season
• The agency confirmed it is actively investigating and combating illegal gambling, and has recorded 54 criminal investigations in the last year
• IRS execs speak about the dangers of unlawful gambling and how the sector fuels other criminal activities

Ahead of the upcoming football season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the agency that administers and enforces U.S. federal tax laws, warned about the dangers of illegal gambling.

The IRS urges bettors to use licensed gambling companies

In a recent statement, the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office described illegal gambling as a concern throughout the year and not only a seasonal issue.

The agency pointed to the dangers of using illegal betting companies, encouraging sports fans to stay safe and use only licensed operators.

In the last year, IRS agents launched 54 criminal investigations and uncovered $126m in laundered funds.

Notably, the percentage of individuals convicted due to such activities was a solid 84%, with the IRS explaining that on average, defendants received prison sentences of 37 months, or just above three years.

"If you’re betting this season or any time of year, stick with state-licensed platforms, steer clear of offshore and crypto-based sites, and remember to report any winnings," the agency wrote.

It also encouraged bettors and sports fans who come across suspected illegal gambling to file a tip.

Illegal gambling isn't a victimless crime

IRS-CI's Chief, Jarod Koopman, acknowledged that illegal gambling is an issue that spans far beyond only placing unlawful wagers.

"Our investigations routinely uncover money laundering and tax crimes tied to illegal gambling operations. Following the money allows us to dismantle larger criminal networks," he added.

IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman added that illegal gambling isn't a "victimless crime."

Instead, he acknowledged that criminal organizations often use ill-gotten funds to fund other unlawful activities across the United States and other parts of the world.

"By participating in illegal gambling, individuals are unwittingly contributing to larger networks of criminal activity that harm our communities and society at large," Hardeman said in conclusion.

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