State Gaming Board Urges Consumers to Avoid Illegal Sites

The Illinois Gaming Board is backing a new consumer protection push aimed at online bettors. The board has joined the International Association of Gaming Regulators in launching an awareness campaign and website tool to help people spot illegal and unregulated gambling sites. The site, checkbeforeyouplay.org, lets users verify whether an online gambling operator is licensed in their jurisdiction before they place a wager. Regulators say the goal is to steer consumers away from risky, unlicensed platforms that may offer fewer safeguards and little recourse if problems arise. The message is simple: check the site before you play.