Arizona regulator launches new consumer protection campaign
Set to run until March 2026, the state’s Department of Gaming is looking to improve residents’ knowledge of the regulated market and where to access support services
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has launched a new state-wide public education program outlining the risks of wagering with unlicensed operators as it aims to strengthen player protection.
The regulator has hailed the program’s development as a “significant milestone” in its efforts to create as safe a market as possible for Arizona residents.
The campaign’s main aims center around providing players with knowledge regarding offshore operators and ensuring that players can identify licensed companies instead.
The ADG said the campaign would help “reduce consumer vulnerability, prevent exploitation, and help individuals make informed decisions if they choose to participate in gaming activities.”
To get the campaign underway, the ADG has rolled out a series of public service announcements (PSAs) in both English and Spanish, created in collaboration with Arizona Media Association, which will be released across multiple platforms, including TV, radio, print, and online.
Alongside aiming to increase awareness of the state’s regulated market, the PSAs will highlight the importance of player protection as well as how wagering within the legal market can help support local communities and “essential services” via tax revenues.
Additionally, the ADG is looking to raise the profile of Arizona’s 1-800-NEXT STEP helpline, which offers consumers suffering from gambling-related harm 24/7 support.
The Grand Canyon State regulator has also launched the new ‘Check Your Bet’ webpage, which acts as a hub for players to check an operator’s status, as well as find consumer protection services.
On the Check Your Bet page, players can verify the legality of all land-based and online operators, access the state’s problem gambling helpline, a self-screening quiz, and self-exclusion services.
Jackie Johnson, ADG director, said: “We are proud to celebrate 30 years of providing world-class gaming regulation and consumer protection.
“This campaign is about empowering Arizonans who choose to participate in gaming with the knowledge to make informed, responsible decisions.
“As illegal and unregulated options on the market increase, the Check Your Bet webpage serves as a key resource for the public to verify licensed operators and access support.
“By directing viewers from our PSAs to this tool, we’re helping ensure people not only play safely, but also know where to turn if they or a loved one are struggling with problem gambling.”
The campaign is set to run until the end of March 2026, with the regulator stating it represents its own commitment to a “safe, transparent, and well-regulated gaming landscape in Arizona.”
In late June, the ADG took action against multiple operators, issuing seven cease-and-desist orders to the likes of High 5 Games and Stake.US, as well as raffle operators Dallas Safari Club and Fanthem.
ReBet was also targeted, in addition to prediction market Novig and BettorEdge, which offers multiple types of betting.