Florida Gaming Control Commission Participates in Inaugural Global Effort to Combat Unlicensed iGaming

Florida gaming regulators are participating in the inaugural Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, the first internationally coordinated campaign to alert consumers to the risks of unlicensed iGaming. The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has joined partners worldwide for the initiative, which runs through Friday. The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) launched the effort with a direct message: before you bet, check whether the site is licensed in your location. In Florida, the only legal online sportsbook is Hard Rock Bet.

Campaign Tools and Regulatory Messaging

“Educating Floridians is another way we can help protect them from unscrupulous operators,” said Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Alana Zimmer. “FGCC’s participation in the inaugural Illegal Gambling Awareness Week gives our agency another opportunity to warn consumers about the dangers of unlicensed operators while also having a little fun with the messaging. We hope this approach will make a meaningful impact on those who see it.”

The November campaign centers on CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, a free licensing information tool. Floridians are directed to consult it before risking funds with any operator. According to CDC Gaming, the IAGR wants verification to become routine.

“People often mistake visibility for trust,” said IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally. “A professional-looking website can give consumers confidence without knowing whether the site is properly licensed. We want consumers to routinely check the licensing status of a site before opening an account or making a deposit.”

The Risks of Unlicensed iGaming

Zimmer and Mullally emphasize that unlicensed sites leave consumers exposed. Users may encounter unpaid winnings, few avenues for dispute resolution, and potential misuse of personal or financial information. Licensed operators must provide specific gambling protections that illegal platforms do not.

Engagement with such sites can also channel funds to criminal organizations tied to drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorist financing, or other illicit activities. This awareness week underscores the gap between appearance and legitimacy in online gambling.

Regulators are testing whether combined education and accessible tools can shift consumer behavior in a persistent illegal market. The outcome will indicate how effectively global coordination can reinforce licensing requirements where enforcement alone falls short.