As the Super Bowl excitement hits fever pitch, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is stepping in with a timely reminder for Illinoisans: be vigilant before you bet. In a consumer alert issued earlier, Raoul pinpointed the risks associated with online and app-based sports betting, underscoring the importance of using licensed operators, as reported by the Illinois Attorney General's office. With these platforms subject to the scrutiny of the Illinois Gaming Board, consumers can check an online list to confirm a sportsbook's legal status in Illinois.
Attorney General Raoul delivered his advice with clear concern, "If you decide to bet on the Super Bowl or any other sporting event, take the time to determine that you are placing your bet with an entity that is licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board and operating legally in the state." The urgency is warranted, given the recent cease and desist letters the Gaming Board sent to unlicensed sports wagering sites such as Bovada.com and PrizePicks for their unsanctioned activities in Illinois. The risks of using such services are real, with personal information and finances hanging in the balance.
Even when using licensed sites, Raoul cautions consumers to be wary of promotional offers, which can come with deceptive obligations or hidden costs. Before placing a wager, he urges bettors to understand the terms around "risk-free bets" and any "bonus" or "welcome offers," ensuring they know exactly what they're signing up for. Such offers may only refund in site credit or require the user to spend their own money before using promotional credit.
In a tone reflecting prudence, Raoul recommends certain steps to individuals considering a flutter on the big game—or any other sports event for that matter. Verifying the operator's license with the Illinois Gaming Board, conducting background checks, and being cautious of unknown gambling invitations via text or email can help protect consumers. Spotting fake websites can be as simple as double-checking you've navigated to the correct URL. Suspicious bonuses should raise red flags, and the adage stands—if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For those tackling the odds of addiction, Illinois provides resources like the Illinois Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, or text "ILGAMB" to 833234 for support, as well as a Self-Exclusion Program. Victims of fraudulent betting activities are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General's website or the Illinois Gaming Board. Raoul's warning is not just a guide for safe betting practices but a hedge against a much larger gamble: safeguarding your digital and financial wellbeing.
