A bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general from across the United States has formally called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to intensify enforcement against illegal offshore gambling platforms, which continue to operate outside the bounds of U.S. law.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the coalition urged the DOJ to prioritize action against unlicensed online sports betting and gaming websites that pose serious risks to consumers and undermine state-regulated gaming markets.
Offshore Gambling Threatens Consumer Safety and State Revenues
The coalition highlighted that many offshore gambling operators—often based overseas—lack proper licensure, evade state oversight, and fail to implement meaningful consumer protections. These platforms frequently target young users and vulnerable populations, while also contributing to:
- Fraudulent schemes
- Problem gambling
- Money laundering
- Other criminal activity
According to the letter, illegal online gambling may generate over $400 billion annually, resulting in an estimated $4 billion in lost tax revenue for U.S. states.
Coalition’s Call to Action
To combat the growing threat, the attorneys general urged the DOJ to take the following steps:
- Invoke the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to pursue injunctive relief blocking access to illegal websites and payment systems
- Seize assets tied to unlawful gaming operations, including servers, domains, and financial proceeds
- Collaborate with state regulators, financial institutions, and payment processors to disrupt the financial infrastructure enabling illegal gambling
National Support for Enforcement
The letter was co-sponsored by:
- William Tong (Connecticut)
- Andrea Joy Campbell (Massachusetts)
- Mike Hilgers (Nebraska)
- Derek Brown (Utah)
Attorneys general from all 50 states and several U.S. territories—including California, Florida, New York, Texas, and the District of Columbia—joined the coalition, signaling broad bipartisan support for federal intervention.
Final Thoughts
As illegal offshore gambling continues to expand, state leaders are urging the DOJ to take decisive action to protect consumers, uphold regulatory integrity, and recover billions in lost revenue. The coalition’s unified stance reflects growing concern over the unchecked influence of unlicensed gaming platforms in the U.S. market.
