The Attorney General of Tennessee is waving a big red flag for sports betting enthusiasts: Beware of the sly, illegal sportsbooks out to snag your cash and your info faster than a wide receiver can catch a Hail Mary. With the Super Bowl LIX drawing near, AG Jonathan Skrmetti's office sternly warned about these dodgy dealings. "Illegal gambling sites can look slick and legitimate, but looks can be deceiving," Skrmetti cautioned in a report from the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General. "Illegal sportsbooks don’t care if you win; they care about getting your money and your personal information.  Once they get it, there is nothing the State can do to help you."

Tennessee regulators are shooting blanks for helping folks tangled up with these offshore scam artists – because these sites are often outside their reach. Illegal sportsbooks may dress to impress with snazzy websites and apps, complete with endorsements from sports celebrities, but don't bet on them playing fair. When things go sideways, consumers find themselves without a lifeline, as the AG's office pointed out.

Chairman of the Sports Wagering Council (SWC) Billy Orgel chimed in with support for eradicating these scammers, "Illegal offshore sportsbooks are not going to go away easily. It will take government entities working together to make the biggest impact," Orgel said, per the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General. "Illegal sportsbooks often look legitimate to the consumer, so if you choose to wager, make sure you wager with a sportsbook licensed to do business in Tennessee."