Bipartisan Coalition Urges DOJ to Address Rampant Spread of Illegal Offshore Gaming

A coalition of 50 state attorneys general, including Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging action against the rapid growth of illegal offshore gaming. The bipartisan coalition highlighted the significant harm caused by these sites, including exploitation and fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and other illicit activities. They called on the DOJ to assist states by seizing assets, coordinating with financial institutions, and dismantling financial infrastructure related to these operations.

Key Takeaways:

• 50 state attorneys general, including Iowa's Brenna Bird, signed a bipartisan letter urging the DOJ to address the spread of illegal offshore gaming.
• The coalition emphasized the harm caused by these sites, including exploitation and fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and other illicit activities.
• The letter highlighted the lack of consumer protections, inadequate age verification, and state law disregard by foreign-based companies operating these sites.
• The coalition called for DOJ assistance in seizing assets, coordinating with financial institutions, and dismantling financial infrastructure related to these operations.
• The letter was co-led by the attorneys general of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Utah.
• Attorney General Bird emphasized the potential risks to Iowans, urging them to be wary of these sites.

Statistics:

• 50 state attorneys general signed the bipartisan letter.
• The coalition represents a majority of U.S. states and territories.
• The letter highlighted the estimated $100 billion in annual losses to states due to the spread of illegal offshore gaming.
• The illegitimate sites are largely run by foreign-based companies with no proper licensure, no consumer protections, and inadequate age verification.
• Problem gambling, exploitation, and other illicit activities are linked to these sites, affecting vulnerable adults and young people.

Sources:

• Office of the Iowa Attorney General: press release (...).
• U.S. Department of Justice: estimates of losses to states due to illegal offshore gaming.
• Various state attorney general offices: letter signed by 50 state attorneys general.