Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Alert on Rising Gaming Scams Amid New Licensing

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is intensifying its efforts to protect the state’s tribes, residents, and visitors from a surge in gaming-related scams. The ADG’s recent public service announcement (PSA) aims to alert patrons about the growing prevalence of fraudulent calls targeting the gaming community in Arizona and surrounding areas.

Scammers Impersonating Gaming Authorities

The ADG has reported that scammers are increasingly pretending to be representatives of reputable organizations, including the ADG itself. These fraudsters are attempting to deceive individuals by falsely claiming affiliations with entities such as the National Indian Gaming Commission, the Indian Gaming Association, and Publisher’s Clearing House.

These scammers have employed various tactics, including offering fake winnings or sweepstake contests and notifying victims of non-existent taxes or fees. Their goal is to exploit the trust of patrons to extract personal information or financial details under false pretenses.

In response to the rise in gaming-related scams , the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has issued a series of protective tips for residents and visitors. Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office advises ing the caller’s information, including the organization they claim to represent and any official numbers. Patrons should be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those involving financial transactions, and secure their personal information. Additionally, the office recommends avoiding payments through cryptocurrencies due to their difficulty in being traced and recovered.

The ADG’s PSA follows a series of previous warnings regarding gaming-related scams. In July of the previous year, the National Indian Gaming Commission issued a letter to tribes and tribal gaming authorities about a rise in fraudulent calls. These scams involved imposters posing as vendors, tribal officials, and state regulators, resulting in significant financial losses. The Commission encouraged reporting suspicious activities to local law enforcement and the FBI to mitigate further financial harm.

New Licensing Developments for Event Wagering

In a significant move to expand event wagering in Arizona, the ADG recently allocated new operator licenses. Plannatech and Sporttrade have been designated as event wagering operators for two tribal gaming enterprises, marking an important step in diversifying Arizona’s wagering landscape.

Plannatech has been selected to operate event wagering for the San Carlos Apache Tribal Gaming Enterprise, while Sporttrade has been licensed for the Quechan Indian Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation. These licenses were granted in accordance with Arizona state regulations, specifically A.R.S. § 5-1304 and A.A.C. R19-4-105 and 106.

The application period for these licenses was open from July 8 to July 19, 2024, during which numerous submissions were reviewed.

The decision to allocate these licenses reflects the ADG’s commitment to integrating more diverse stakeholders into the state’s gaming market. By including tribal entities, the ADG is fostering an inclusive gaming environment and promoting economic opportunities for tribal communities. The entry of Plannatech and Sporttrade into the market is expected to introduce innovative betting options and enhance competition within the industry.

The broader regulatory context highlights the ADG’s strategic approach to maintaining a fair and transparent gaming environment. The regulatory framework established by the Arizona State Legislature ensures that all participants operate on a level playing field, thereby boosting investor confidence and maintaining market integrity.

As Arizona’s gaming landscape evolves, stakeholders, including operators, regulatory bodies, and customers, will closely monitor the performance of the new operators and the impact of these regulatory changes. The ADG’s ongoing efforts to address scams and implement new licenses reflect a proactive stance in navigating the challenges and opportunities within the state’s gaming industry.

Source:

”Regulator in Arizona warns public about gaming scam calls”, sbcamericas.com, August 28, 2024.