JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) issued cease and desist letters to multiple online gambling sites that were found operating illegally in Mississippi.

According to the commission, the online wagering offered by these sports book and gaming sites is illegal in the state, as wagers may only be offered and accepted on the premises of, and by an establishment authorized by Mississippi law or Tribal Compact.

“Our laws are clear that casino style gaming and sports wagering are not allowed online in Mississippi, outside of a licensed casino,” said MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel. “The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators, and the MGC is currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution. Companies like those put on notice today mislead our residents by claiming to be legal outlets, when in fact they operate illegally and without providing any tax revenue or other tangible benefit to Mississippi.”

The following sites were identified as illegal online gambling operators by the MGC:

• betwhale.ag
• betus.com.pa
• betonline.ag
• mybookie.ag
• bovada.lv
• americascardroom.eu
• ignitioncasino.eu
• lasatlantis.com
• slotsandcasino.ag
• chumbacasino.com

The MGC cautioned citizens from engaging with any online site that officers gambling opportunities. The player could be subject to criminal prosecution and forfeiture of money deposited with the site.

According to the commission, the sites often promote themselves as legal, but there are no legal exceptions for online sports books or so-called “sweepstakes” casinos.

To report illegal gambling in the state, contact the MGC at 601-576-3800. If any person has lost money or property to a company offering unlicensed wagering online or otherwise operating illegally in Mississippi, you may be entitled to recovery, with costs, pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 87-1-5, and may consider consulting an attorney to determine whether you have a potential cause of action.