This week, authorities in two states have uncovered illegal gambling operations as part of ongoing efforts to combat such activities.
On Wednesday, police in Norwalk, Connecticut, discovered seven illegal gambling machines at a local liquor store. The machines paid out cash winnings, which customers collected at the counter using receipts from the devices, according to The Hour. In addition to the machines at two different spots in the store, the police found two fake firearms and several bags of cocaine in the beer cooler. Two people were charged.
The following day, local and state law enforcement discovered a suspected illegal gambling operation at a store in Grenada County, Mississippi, reported by WTVA. The Grenada County Sheriff’s Office announced that authorities with the Mississippi Gaming Commission and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) found multiple gaming machines. Consequently, arrested one person for gaming violations. Officials seized one of the machines and destroyed the others.
What does the law say?
Connecticut is one of only seven states that have legal online casinos. The Constitution State also permits land-based casinos on tribal lands owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe. Therefore, unregulated gambling in Connecticut refers to activities and machines that operate outside of state laws and regulatory oversight. All gambling operators must be licensed by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Gaming Division.
While Mississippi has yet to legalize online casinos, the state is home to around 30 riverboat casinos. Still, all gambling operators must be licensed by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, which ensures compliance with state regulations.
More states cracking down
In response to the rising challenge of unregulated gambling, several states are increasing their efforts to combat the issue. Earlier this year, the Colorado Division of Gambling announced the launch of the "Play Legit. Gamble Only Where Legal" campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with unregulated gambling. The campaign urges players to gamble safely by only using regulated gaming outlets.
“Together, let's play by the rules and ensure that Colorado remains a safe and responsible gaming destination. By recognizing and preventing illegal gambling, we all win,” commented Chris Schroder, director of the Colorado Division of Gaming.
The proliferation of unregulated skill machines has also sparked legislative efforts in Pennsylvania, which has more than 100,000 of these terminals, despite having a dozen land-based casinos and also being one of the only states with legal iGaming.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continues to crack down on illegal gambling amid government concerns over an increase in electronic gaming machines. According to the MGCB, investigations over the past five years have resulted in the seizure of more than 400 illegal machines.
“Operations of these unregulated gaming machines puts citizens at risk – because they have no recourse should they be misled, cheated, or otherwise taken advantage of,” said the MGCB in a recent press release.
