FBI warns of illegal gambling growth targeting US bettors
The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public warning about the advance of illegal betting platforms that continue to attract American players, despite the expansion of the regulated market in much of the country. In a statement released on December 17, the agency emphasized that betting outside the legal framework not only exposes users to personal risks but also directly impacts the economy and the integrity of professional sports.
Currently, legal sports betting is enabled in 39 states and the District of Columbia. However, a significant portion of the total betting volume continues to be channeled through unauthorized operators, many of them based abroad and beyond the reach of U.S. authorities.
A parallel market of million-dollar dimensions
According to estimates cited by the FBI and prepared by the American Gaming Association, Americans would have bet around US$673.6 billion annually on illegal circuits by August 2025. This figure includes sports betting, online games, and other unregulated gambling formats.
The federal agency warned that numerous offshore platforms simulate offering a safe environment tailored to the American public, hiding the fact that they operate without state licenses. Although some of these companies are legal in their countries of origin, their activity is illegal in the United States if they do not have the express authorization of each state. Furthermore, they are not subject to consumer protection standards, financial controls, or integrity rules that do apply to regulated operators.
Links to organized crime and risks for players
One of the most sensitive points of the statement is the connection between illegal gambling and organized crime. According to the FBI, underground betting functions as a source of funding for criminal networks involved in crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. Combating these structures is part of the core pillars of the agency’s program against corruption in sports and gambling.
For bettors, the dangers go beyond economic loss. The FBI warned that those who use illegal betting houses may be exposed to extortion, threats, or even violence if they fail to settle debts. Added to this is the total lack of protection in case of disputes, withheld funds, or disappearance of balances, as well as the possibility of facing legal consequences derived from financial crimes, such as tax evasion or money laundering.
Betting legally as an act of protection
The agency was clear in its message to consumers: responsible betting means doing so only through authorized operators. The FBI recommended always verifying the legal status of platforms through the official websites of state regulators and emphasized that the information is available for users to make informed decisions.
Likewise, the agency urged reporting any suspicious activity related to illegal betting through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), with the aim of strengthening intelligence gathering and advancing the dismantling of the underground market.
A reminder amid the expansion of legal gambling
The FBI’s warning comes at a time when the regulated gambling industry in the United States continues to grow, with high levels of investment and participation from major brands. At the same time, the sector faces increased public and political scrutiny.
The agency’s message serves as a wake-up call: while the legal market gains visibility and sophistication, the illegal ecosystem remains active, moving enormous volumes of money and representing a risk both for consumers and for the country’s economic and social security.
Tags: United States, FBI, USA, USA betting, United States betting, illegal USA betting