Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes warns about Super Bowl betting scams

PHOENIX — Arizona’s top prosecutors wants to make sure sports lovers in the state don’t fumble their hard-earned money this Super Bowl Sunday.

“For Arizonans who choose to participate in legal sports betting, it’s important to be on the lookout for fraudsters who may be trying to scam you out of your winnings — or worse, your personal information and data,” Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a Thursday announcement.

She urged football lovers to report suspicious sports betting activity to the Arizona Department of Gaming, either online or by calling 602-255-3886.

Mayes said one way to juke scammers is to make sure you aren’t betting on illegal sportsbook companies, which come with a myriad of financial risks.

What are the downsides of betting through illegal sportsbook companies?

Some people under 21 may use illegal sportsbook companies to partake in gambling, even though it’s illegal under Arizona law.

However, Mayes said these illegal websites may not comply with regulatory standards, which guarantee fair play by ensuring bettors are paid their winnings and have security measures to protect bettors’ personal and financial information.

“Parents should speak to their teenagers about the law and the dangers of underage gambling,” Mayes said.

She advised bettors to avoid illegal sportsbook companies by going to one of the Arizona Department of Gaming’s approved operators or use this catalog of approved events and wagers.

“This Super Bowl Sunday, I urge Arizonans to educate themselves to avoid a sports betting scam and protect themselves from unregulated operations,” Mayes said.

She advised people to always check where the sportsbook they’re using to place bets is based. That’s because many illegal sportsbook companies are outside the U.S., which means you won’t have recourse if you’re in a dispute.

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