Greg's Corner

Fake Casino Sites Target Missouri

By Greg Collier

A new warning from the Missouri Gaming Commission sheds light on a growing scam that could just as easily spread beyond state borders. The scheme involves fraudulent websites posing as legitimate online extensions of real-world casinos in Missouri. These deceptive platforms are being promoted on social media and often feature imagery from actual casinos to reinforce their appearance of legitimacy.

There is currently no legal online casino gambling in Missouri. Any advertisement claiming that such services are now available to Missouri residents is entirely false. The risk with these illegal websites is significant. Because they operate outside the jurisdiction of regulatory agencies, there is no recourse for players who do not receive promised winnings. What appears to be a payout opportunity may, in fact, be a dead end with no consumer protections.

With online sports wagering expected to launch in Missouri later this year, the public’s anticipation has created a ripe environment for opportunistic scams. Residents who are eager to participate in legal gambling may be more vulnerable to false advertising, especially when it closely resembles legitimate casino branding.

This scam is not unique to Missouri. Similar schemes have been reported in other parts of the country, making this a broader issue that could impact residents nationwide. As states move to expand or legalize online gambling, scammers are likely to exploit confusion and excitement surrounding new gambling laws and platforms.

Authorities advise that anyone who encounters a suspicious betting site should report it to their state’s gaming authority, local law enforcement and the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Until online casino gambling is legalized and properly regulated in Missouri or any other state, it is crucial for residents to remain skeptical of unsolicited betting opportunities online.

For anyone struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. The National Problem Gambling Helpline can be reached at 1-800-GAMBLER.