The Sure Bet: How Legal, Regulated Sports Betting Protects Consumers | amNewYork

"With some of the strongest consumer protections in the country, the state has demonstrated how legal and regulated sports betting can protect consumers, offer the critical transparency demanded to ensure integrity, and promote responsibility while also generating over $1 billion a year in tax revenue to support public education."

"A recent investigation by the Better Business Bureau found a history of these unregulated platforms cheating customers, leaving them with little to no recourse. With billions of dollars flowing through this global industry, a risky underbelly of pseudo-gambling, illegal gambling and scams has developed."

"Because of the sophistication of these impostors, bad actors and scammers, it can be hard for consumers to tell the difference between a legitimate bookkeeper, casino or betting company and those seeking to deceive or steal from the public."

New York has established itself as a leader in regulated sports betting over five years, implementing strong consumer protections, transparency measures, and responsible gambling practices while generating substantial tax revenue for public education. Illegal offshore betting websites, which previously dominated the market, contribute no tax revenue and fail to protect consumers or maintain integrity standards. These unregulated platforms pose significant dangers, including cheating customers with minimal recourse, operating scams, and facilitating underage gambling. Law enforcement and consumer protection advocates warn the public about distinguishing legitimate licensed operators from fraudulent actors. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has issued consumer alerts encouraging bettors to use only platforms licensed by the New York Gaming Commission, emphasizing the risks of unregulated markets.

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