Bipartisan Coalition Urges DOJ to Combat Illegal Offshore Gaming

Strategic Insights -

A bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general, co-led by Nebraska's Attorney General Mike Hilgers, has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging assistance in addressing the rampant spread of illegal offshore gaming across the country. The coalition highlights the significant harm caused to states and residents by such unlawful platforms, particularly to young people, vulnerable adults, and state economies. They assert that illegal gaming operations expose users to fraudulent schemes and encourage problem gambling without any oversight or accountability, undercut state-regulated markets, and have been linked to money laundering, human trafficking, and other illegal conduct.

Key Takeaways:

  • The coalition, co-led by Attorney General Mike Hilgers, consists of 50 attorneys general from various states.
  • The letter urges the DOJ to assist in addressing the spread of illegal offshore gaming, highlighting the harm caused to states and residents.
  • Illegal online gaming is estimated to exceed $400 billion in volume annually, resulting in over $4 billion in lost tax revenue for states.
  • The coalition emphasizes the need for action to combat harm to the rule of law, consumers, and the economy from illicit online gambling.
  • The letter encourages the DOJ to seek injunctions, seize assets, and coordinate with states and financial institutions to curb illegal offshore gaming operations.
  • Joining Attorney General Hilgers in co-leading the letter are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Utah, as well as attorneys general from 46 other states.
  • The coalition asserts that illegal gaming operations expose users to fraudulent schemes, encourage problem gambling, and engage in money laundering, human trafficking, and other illicit activities.

Statistics:

  • Estimated annual volume of illegal online gaming: over $400 billion
  • Estimated annual lost tax revenue for states: over $4 billion
  • Number of attorneys general in the bipartisan coalition: 50

Sources:

Source 1: Nebraska Office of the Attorney General

Note: The primary source is the press release from the Nebraska Office of the Attorney General. Additional information is based on the content of the press release.