Sports betting is a huge industry. Some states have legalized certain activities in recent years, but many online betting sites and activities are still unlawful. To avoid illegal sports betting, you must understand and follow current state and federal laws before making a wager.
Illegal sports betting has real consequences for people who place and receive wagers—and for the safety of the American public.
Organized crime groups often run illegal gambling operations. These groups often use the money made from illegal gambling to fund other criminal activities, like the trafficking of humans, drugs, and weapons. These operations may also be involved in tax evasion and money laundering.
One of the FBI’s priorities is to investigate organized crime groups that operate illegal sports betting operations and disrupt and dismantle their activities.
Besides possibly funding organized crime activities, people who place wagers with illegal sports betting operations may be at risk of extortion and violence, which bookmakers may use to collect debts.
Report Illegal Sports Betting
To help address this crime, the FBI encourages anyone with information about illegal sports betting operations to submit a tip online or report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Tips can be kept anonymous.
Related FBI News and Multimedia
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05.03.2018
Drug Trafficking/Gambling Ring Dismantled
A former California college athlete charged with running an international drug trafficking and illegal gambling organization was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison.
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12.09.2015
Executives Brief Congressional Committees on Current FBI Priorities
Director Comey testified before a Senate committee on the FBI’s programs, and AD Campbell briefed a House committee about online gambling and potential crime.
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08.07.2015
Internet Sports Books Initiative
The FBI launches an initiative to counter what it considers an emerging threat—the use of illegal Internet sports books.
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04.30.2015
Bad luck for two brothers who were bookies in an illegal Internet gambling business involving professional athletes.
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03.29.2012
While fans are focused on the NCAA basketball championships, the FBI continues to combat criminal activity in the sports industry.
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09.10.2010
Sports gambling can be a concern for the FBI…