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Attorneys general

Bipartisan Coalition Urges DOJ to Combat Illegal Offshore Gaming

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Attorney General William Tong has led a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general in urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to assist in curbing the spread of illegal offshore gaming across the country. The letter, sent to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, highlights the harm caused by these operations, including problem gambling, money laundering, tax evasion, and other illegal conduct. The coalition is demanding stronger enforcement actions against these operations, including blocking access to illegal websites and payment processing mechanisms, seizing assets, and coordinating with states and financial institutions to block unlawful transactions.

Key Takeaways:

  • 50 attorneys general from across the country signed the letter urging the DOJ to take action against illegal offshore gaming.
  • The letter highlights the significant harm caused by these operations, including problem gambling, money laundering, tax evasion, and other illegal conduct.
  • The coalition is demanding stronger enforcement actions, including blocking access to illegal websites and payment processing mechanisms, seizing assets, and coordinating with states and financial institutions to block unlawful transactions.
  • Illegal offshore gaming operations are estimated to exceed more than $400 billion in volume annually, leading to more than $4 billion in lost tax revenue for states.
  • The coalition is particular concerned about the impact on young people, vulnerable adults, and state economies.

Statistics:

  • $400 billion: Estimated annual volume of illegal offshore gaming operations.
  • $4 billion: Lost tax revenue for states due to illegal offshore gaming operations.
  • 50: Number of attorneys general who signed the letter.
  • 2013: Year after which the DOJ has been extremely limited in its enforcement actions against illegal offshore gaming operations.

Sources:

  • [Letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi from Attorney General William Tong and coalition of 50 attorneys general]
  • [ Connecticut Attorney General's Office]

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