The Maine Gambling Control Unit has issued a warning to residents about illegal gambling websites and apps.
On Monday, June 9, the Maine Gambling Control Unit has published a warning to residents, as well as a reminder that online casino games are still illegal in the state. This could be set to change if a new bill is passed granting exclusive rights to four tribal casinos but, as it stands, online games like slots, blackjack, and roulette are still prohibited.
However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t illegal options that residents could unwittingly use. While fantasy sports games and advance deposit wagering are legal in Maine, “numerous unregulated entities”, often from other states or countries, are targeting Maine residents with illegal games.
These platforms often appear to users as sweepstakes or ‘social casino’ sites, offering cash payouts, coin-based substitutes, dual-currency systems, or gift card prizes. As they are not licensed in Maine, there is no regulatory oversight from the Gambling Control Unit, which could leave Maine residents exposed to dangerous risks.
What does this mean for Maine residents?
With no licenses from the Gambling Control Unit for any online casino, iGaming or sweepstakes sites, anyone who chooses to use these platforms does so at their own risk.
If there are any disputes about winnings or outcomes of games, the Gambling Control Unit cannot offer the usual assistance or intervention it can provide for legal gaming or bets.
For example, licensed online fantasy contests, advance deposit wagering, and sports wagering operators are required to follow regulations laid out by the Gambling Control Unit that protect consumers and ensure fairness for all users. Maine residents engaging in illegal games are warned that their money and any data they exchange to play is at risk, with no legal recourse if something goes wrong.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0
