Beware Of Online Sports Betting Scams in Illinois

If you're hoping to score a sweet betting payday during the NCAA Basketball Tournament for the first time this year, the Illinois Attorney General has an important warning for you.

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March Madness in Illinois

Here's one thing I NEVER thought I would say, but I'm looking forward to watching the NCAA Basketball Tournament this year. I have never fallen victim to March Madness before, but now that my kids have grown to love the sport, I have too.

I have no doubt basketball will be watched frequently in our home over the next couple of weeks, and now I'm a little concerned my husband will come down with betting fever too.

Beware of Online Betting Scams in Illinois

I am not a gambler, because I HATE throwing away money, and I NEVER win, but I totally get why sports betting makes big tournaments like March Madness even more exciting.

Ethan Miller

I'm sure experienced betters have their favorite sports gambling apps and website they always go to, but for inexperienced gamblers who get carried away by the excitement, the Illinois Attorney General has an important message.

In a recent press release, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said;

Sports betting operators must be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board in order to operate in the state of Illinois. Be sure you are not inadvertently using an unlicensed betting operator before putting your money on the line.

Licensed Sports Betting Operators in Illinois

So, how do we know for sure which sports betting sites and apps are officially licensed in Illinois? You can check this list before placing any bets.

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Here are some more things you should check before placing any bets according to the Illinois Attorney General:

Check the Better Business Bureau website and do an online search for the company's name and the word "scam" to see if anything negative comes up.
Do not engage with texts or emails received from unknown numbers or senders inviting you to participate in online sports betting.
Beware of sponsored links inviting you to visit fake websites.
Proceed with extreme caution if offers or bonuses seem too good to be true.
Make sure to read the find print on all betting offers.

Here's one more important thing to remember; state law prohibits Illinois residents from betting on Illinois collegiate teams, regardless of where the bets are placed.

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