Civil actions have been filed against several internet-based
sports betting agencies for acting contrary to New Jersey state
law. The companies, which include some of the biggest US names in
the business, are alleged to have accepted wagers from individuals
in New Jersey, including minors.
The companies in question include Intercasino.com,
sportingbet.com and sportingbook.com. State investigators were able
to access these web sites, sign up to the service and place bets on
athletic events. They said that they did not find sufficient
safeguards to prevent minors with credit cards from placing
bets.
The Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement said:
“The citizens of New Jersey need to be aware
that these sports betting operations are not regulated and they are
illegal. Regardless of their occasional claims of ‘licensing’ and
‘legality’, they answer to no one and are therefore not held to the
same scrutiny as our Atlantic City casinos.”
The director’s colleague in the Division of Consumer Affairs
added, “We will not allow these sites that permit minors to gamble
with impunity to flourish.”
In addition to filing the lawsuits, the authorities are hoping
to disable such sites by focussing on the sites’ “toll-free” phone
service providers and credit card companies.
The Director of Gaming Enforcement said:
“under federal law, the telephone companies
that provide services to these illegal internet sites will be
required to comply with our demand [to cease and desist doing
so].”
