Illinois Attorney General warns against March Madness betting scams

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — With March Madness quickly approaching, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning Illinois residents to be aware of the risks surrounding sports betting.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month — and also happens to be the month when the NCAA Tournament for men and women’s college basketball is held. Raoul is encouraging fans who are filling out brackets and thinking about placing money on their favorite teams to be aware of the risks of unlicensed operators.

“March Madness is the most exciting time of year for college basketball fans. Whether you are rooting for your favorite team or getting behind this year’s ‘Cinderella’ team, be sure to take steps to protect your money and personal information before placing wagers online or using sports betting apps,” Raoul said. “Sports betting operators must be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board in order to operate in the state of Illinois. Be sure you are not inadvertently using an unlicensed betting operator before putting your money on the line. The only feeling worse than having your Bracket busted in the first round is losing your money or personal information by using an unlicensed sports betting operator.”

Raoul said that certain betting apps and websites are allowed in Illinois. But operators must be licensed with the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and remain in compliance with state regulators. You can find the list of licensed sport betting organizations in Illinois here.

“The IGB is pleased to collaborate with Attorney General Raoul to remind Illinoisans who plan to wager on March Madness games to do so responsibly and safely, which includes avoiding unlicensed and illegal operators,” Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said. “Don’t be fooled by unregulated sportsbooks whose offerings mimic legal betting products without any patron protections and regulatory safeguards. If you plan to bet, stay within your financial limits and only patronize approved, legal Illinois sports wagering, video gaming and casino operators.”

Raoul is encouraging March Madness fans to follow these tips before placing a bet:

• Check to make sure the operator you are considering holds a valid Illinois license by using the Illinois Gaming Board’s online licensee list.
• Do your research. Check websites like the Better Business Bureau and search using the company’s name and “scam,” or read reviews on gambling forums.
• Beware of suspicious texts/emails inviting you to participate in gambling, especially if sent from unfamiliar sources. Messages could be coming from scammers trying to steal your money and personal data.
• Beware of fake websites. Scammers may use ads and sponsored links to trick you into visiting their websites, so double check to ensure you typed the name of the right website.
• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of suspicious bonuses or similar offers.
• Read the fine print of promotional offers to make sure there are not hidden costs or obligations.
• Be aware that state law prohibits Illinois residents from betting on Illinois collegiate teams, regardless of whether wagers are placed using online or app-based sportsbooks or in person.

Illinois residents struggling with an addiction to gambling can contact the Illinois Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, or by texting “ILGAMB” to 833234. Those struggling can also sign up for the IGB’s Self-Exclusion Program to prevent themselves from being able to gamble.

And, if you believe you have been the victim of fraud, Raoul said you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s website or the Illinois Gaming Board.