Published on: November 22, 2024, at 11:31h.
Last updated on: November 22, 2024, at 12:06h.
Representatives from MGM Resorts International and Beau Rivage in Mississippi are denouncing social media ads falsely claiming online casino gambling is legal in the state.
The Sun Herald in Biloxi revealed that fake posts on X, Instagram, and Facebook are promoting iGaming activity in Mississippi. These advertisements originate from a fraudulent page named “Beau Rivage Casino” and unlawfully promote a prohibited gambling app using the casino’s name.
“The official Beau Rivage app is now accessible online. Enjoy the game, and luck will surely be on your side,” the posts claim, likely created by AI or an individual with little knowledge of US casino marketing practices.
The ads promise new users a welcome bonus of up to $1,000 and 100 free slot spins.
Caution from the Casino
Beau Rivage and Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) officials are cautioning the public to steer clear of the unauthorized app being advertised on social media platforms.
“That’s a hoax,” stated Jay McDaniel, the MGC’s executive director, to the Sun Herald. “That’s not us,” added Mary Cracchiolo Spain, MGM’s regional operations public relations director.
Only seven states currently allow online casinos, and Mississippi is not one of them. Additionally, Mississippi does not permit mobile sports betting, although Beau Rivage offers the BetMGM Online Sportsbook app for its guests.
Bets can be placed using the BetMGM app while at Beau Rivage. However, once a person leaves the casino grounds, they cannot place bets online. The online sportsbook provides convenience for guests on-site who want to place sports bets without visiting the physical sportsbook.
An attempt to legalize online sports betting in Mississippi failed in May, with lawmakers planning to revisit the topic in 2025.
Unregulated Gaming Companies
Illegal offshore gaming operators are still targeting players in states where such activities are forbidden. These uncontrolled casino gaming websites and apps lack consumer protections such as fair gameplay, payment guarantees, or secure withdrawals.
State and law enforcement agencies face challenges in prosecuting these rogue online gambling operators. The American Gaming Association (AGA) urges the US Justice Department to take action against illegal gambling activities.
Numerous unregulated online gambling platforms operate from locations like Anjouan, the Caribbean, Malta, the Isle of Man, and the Philippines, making it difficult for state authorities to take legal action against them.
Illegal online casinos openly target US customers through paid advertisements. These unlicensed sportsbooks and casinos pose various societal risks. In addition to violating laws, the games offered lack proper testing, regulatory standards, age verification, and security measures for personal and financial data,” stated AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
“While illegal gambling is not a new issue, the brazen manner in which it operates — online and in the community — requires major federal attention. We urge the Justice Department to prioritize protecting American consumers, cracking down on illegal operators, and enforcing federal regulations,” Miller emphasized.