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The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has ordered five online gambling operators to stop operating in the state, alleging they offered illegal gambling and exposed consumers to risk.
The department issued cease-and-desist letters to BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator.
According to ADG, the enforcement actions involve alleged felony-level violations, including promoting illegal gambling, operating an illegal enterprise, and money laundering.
“Arizona is taking decisive action against illegal gambling operators that put Arizonans at risk,” said Department Director Jackie Johnson. She said the agency is focused on safeguarding the public and urging operators to halt their activities.
Arizona law generally prohibits gambling unless it is expressly authorized by statute, and the legal gambling age in the state is 21.
The department alleges that BetOpenly offered sports betting and casino-style games while profiting through commissions. Regulators also claim the platform provided sports wagering and daily fantasy sports contests without the required Arizona licenses and may have allowed individuals under 21 to participate.
According to ADG, Bookmaker accepted wagers on horse racing, sports betting, and casino-style games without state authorization. Officials noted that online casino gaming remains illegal in Arizona.
The department alleges that Club WPT Online Poker allowed Arizona residents under the age of 21 to participate in pay-to-play online poker tournaments for prizes. Regulators also said the platform’s use of “no purchase necessary” language was misleading and maintained that online poker is not legal in the state.
ADG said Kutt Inc. accepted deposits from Arizona users and facilitated wagering on sports and other events while also offering casino-style games. Officials argued the platform does not qualify under Arizona’s social gambling exemption because a third party allegedly profited from the activity.
Meanwhile, the department alleges Raffle Creator failed to comply with Arizona’s legal requirements for nonprofit raffles and allowed individuals under 21 to purchase tickets for prize drawings.
The department said the operators could face additional legal action, including criminal prosecution or civil enforcement proceedings. Officials also said they may seek restitution for affected consumers and pursue the forfeiture of funds allegedly connected to the illegal gambling operations.
ADG urged Arizona residents to verify that any sportsbook or fantasy sports platform they use appears on the department’s approved operator list as part of its “Check Your Bet” consumer awareness campaign.