The American Gaming Association has asked the US Department of Justice to act strongly against offshore operators in a bid to crack down on the unregulated gambling market in the country.
The AGA’s chief executive Bill Miller outlined the demands in a letter to the DOJ, asking the authority to take action against unregulated “skill game” machines and illegal online sportsbooks and casinos.
“While the challenge of illegal gambling is not new, the brazen and coordinated manner in which it occurs — both online and in communities — has elevated this problem to a level that requires significant federal attention,” wrote Miller.
“We urge the Department to make it a priority to act…to protect American consumers, crack down on illegal operators, and enforce federal regulations.
“Illegal operators have been put on notice: their days as a scourge on our nation are numbered.”
Miller called the illegal operators “bad actors” who accused them of preying on vulnerable customers, offering no consumer protections and not ensuring integrity or fair play.
“They generate no economic benefit for states or tribal nations,” he said.
The American Gaming Association aims to achieve sound policies and smart regulations that promote innovation and are consistent with the gaming industry’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.
AGA membership includes commercial and tribal casino operators, US-licensed gaming suppliers, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders in the US gaming industry.