• Mississippi has taken further action against illegal gambling websites co-opting licensed land-based companies’ branding
• The regulator has cautioned consumers to steer clear of any gambling that is done online, as it is illegal in the state
• The regulator has issued cease-and-desist letters against companies it identified as illegal

Mississippi is dealing with unauthorized gambling companies that are increasingly bold in their marketing, co-opting the branding of existing and regulated gambling companies to push social media ads that take unsuspecting consumers to gambling websites online.

Mississippi Gaming Commission goes after offenders in the state

However, this is an elaborate ploy, cautions Jay McDaniel, executive director of the MississippiGaming Commission, who has raised the alarm over these practices.

On Tuesday, the regulator said that it has identified numerous instances of unauthorized gambling companies using the image and likeness of existing coastal casinos to mislead potential customers into making deposits.

The regulator has issued a word of caution to customers to be vigilant and check the regulated status of gambling websites, which are currently illegal, as stated on the commission’s official website:

There are many companies that promote illegal games online or through mobile applications that say they are legal to play. This is not true, andany casino game or sports wagering conducted online where money is paid and won, is illegal.

Apart from issuing a warning to customers, the commission similarly sent 10 cease-and-desist letters to companies that it has determined were operating illegally in the market.

Regulator cracks down on individual platforms it deems illegal

These letters have been served through conventional and electronic mail, and compliance is obligatory within 14 days of receiving the letters in question.

"Our laws are clear that casino-style gaming and sports wagering are not allowed online in Mississippi, outside of a licensed casino. The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators, and the MGC is currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution," McDaniel said in a statement.

Earlier this year, the state also announced that it is taking further enforcement action against the sweepstakes casino sector.

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