Arizona orders 7 illegal gambling sites to shut down

This aggressive stance mirrors similar actions in states like Michigan and New York, reinforcing a growing national trend. Due to the surge of online gambling activity in the US, gambling regulators must be more vigilant than ever to protect consumers.

Who’s been targeted and why

The ADG claims these operators violated Arizona law by offering unauthorized games to residents, including sweepstakes-style slots, online sportsbooks, and unregulated raffles.

Named operators

• Stake.us – Sweepstakes casino

• High 5 Casino – Online slots and other verticals

• BettorEdge – Peer-to-peer betting exchange

• ReBet – Event wagering sportsbook

• Novig – Peer-to-peer platform

• Dallas Safari Club – Raffle operator

• Fanthem – Raffle operator

The state accuses the platforms of engaging in felony-level offenses, including:

• Illegal control of an enterprise

• Promotion of gambling

• Money laundering (alleged)

When speaking about the orders, the Director of the ADG, Jackie Johnson, said;

Illegal gambling doesn’t just break the law, it robs our state’s economy and puts consumers at risk. We stand firmly with our licensed and regulated operators.

Accessibility does not equal legality…

Arizona officials have urged players to remain cautious, noting that accessibility does not equal legality.

“Just because you can download the app, access the website, and play the games does not mean the platform is legal or safe,” reads the ADG’s consumer advisory.

With the explosion of online sweepstakes and social casinos promoted on social media, players are often unaware that these platforms may be operating illegally in their state.

Enforcement momentum across the US

Arizona is not alone. The crackdown is part of a larger regulatory wave sweeping across the country, with multiple states stepping up enforcement, including Michigan, New York, and Alabama.

State	Recent Action
Michigan	Cease and desist issued to 5 illegal online gambling sites
New York	Ban passed against sweepstakes casinos
Alabama	Stake.us faces lawsuit over misleading users
Federal	CFTC under scrutiny for failure to address sports prediction markets

What does this mean for players and operators?

These moves by regulators encourage different types of actions from consumers and operators. Both vigilance and compliance.

Players should:

• Stick to licensed, regulated platforms

• Avoid sweepstakes or social casinos that operate in a legal gray area

• Stay informed about gambling laws in their state

Operators must:

• Review and comply with state-specific laws

• Expect heightened enforcement and legal exposure

• Prioritize consumer protection and transparency

Reinforcing the message: Compliance isn’t optional

This is the second wave of enforcement from Arizona in less than three months.

 Earlier this year, the ADG ordered platforms like Modo.us, BetUS, and MyBookie to exit the state. The latest move certainly underscores the state's message that compliance isn’t just optional, it’s the cost of admission.

With the rise of sweepstakes casinos and peer-to-peer betting exchanges, Arizona's actions signal that the era of “look the other way” regulation is over.