Maine gambling regulator issues warning over illegal online casino operators
The Maine Gambling Control Unit has issued a statement warning the public of the dangers of illegal online casino operations in the state.
The Maine Gambling Control Unit’s Department of Public Safety’s Executive Director Milton Champion, reiterated that although online gambling activities like sports wagering, fantasy sports games, and advance deposit wagering are permitted under law, any online casino-style games are banned.
“These sites may appear legitimate, but none are licensed or regulated by the state,” Champion said in a statement. “No online casino, igaming, or sweepstakes site is authorized to operate in Maine.”
The public announcement explained that offshore operators are targeting the state, such as sweepstakes casinos or other social casinos that use coin-based tokens instead of real money, posing as legitimate sites.
These sites remain unregulated, and the Maine Gambling Control Unit warned that players using these platforms do so at their own risk and reiterated that it cannot intervene in any disputes between residents and unlicensed platforms.
“The Gambling Control Unit’s primary responsibility is to protect the integrity of gaming in Maine,” Champion added. “Only licensed operators – those offering fantasy sports, sports betting, and advance deposit wagering – are subject to strict oversight to ensure consumer protection and fair play.”
The Maine Gambling Control Unit warning comes as Maine lawmakers revisit the idea of legalizing online casino gaming, with Legislative Document 1164 being considered by state lawmakers after being tabled in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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