Illinois Launches Campaign Against Illegal Gambling

The Illinois Gaming Board and an international regulators association are urging consumers to verify online gambling licenses during Illegal Gambling Awareness Week.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Gambling

Bold vector editorial illustration of a brass padlock resting open beside a key on a pale stone plinth against a warm cream background, evoking verification of licensed gambling platforms. — The Illinois Gaming Board and an international regulators association launched a campaign urging residents to verify online gambling licenses during Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, November 9-13. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Illinois Gaming Board partnered with the International Association of Gaming Regulators to launch an international consumer awareness campaign. The effort is timed to Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, held November 9-13, and includes a new website for checking whether an online gambling platform is licensed.

Why it matters

Regulators say illicit operators increasingly copy the branding of licensed platforms, leaving bettors without self-exclusion tools, responsible gaming safeguards or dispute-resolution options. For Illinois residents, the campaign offers a way to confirm a platform's status before depositing funds.

The verification website lets consumers check whether an online sportsbook, casino or wagering application holds an active license in their jurisdiction. The Illinois Gaming Board also maintains an official registry of authorized casino, sports wagering and video gaming operators.

The players

Illinois Gaming Board

The Illinois Gaming Board is the state agency that regulates casino, sports wagering and video gaming in Illinois.

International Association of Gaming Regulators

The International Association of Gaming Regulators is a global organization of gaming regulatory bodies that coordinates cooperation on oversight across jurisdictions.

The details

The initiative centers on a new verification website that residents can use before depositing money or placing bets. Residents who suspect violations of the Illinois Gambling Act, Video Gaming Act or Sports Wagering Act can submit confidential tips through the board's prohibited conduct reporting portal or hotline.

November 9-13, 2026: Illegal Gambling Awareness Week campaign period.

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Roadmap

Illinois is joining a multi-state regulatory effort through the International Association of Gaming Regulators to address unlicensed operators. Because digital sports betting and internet casinos cross state and national borders, coordinated consumer warnings are becoming a central tool for regulators.

Before depositing money at any online sportsbook or casino, residents can use the Illinois Gaming Board's verification site to confirm the platform holds an active license. Platforms without a license lack self-exclusion lists and fraud protections that regulated operators must provide.

The takeaway

Checking a gambling platform's license before depositing funds is the simplest safeguard available to consumers. Residents who suspect an unlicensed operator can report it confidentially to the Illinois Gaming Board.