PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois is warning people to make sure they are using a regulated site when they are gambling after a slew of scams.
From 2022 to the middle of this year, the BBB was alerted to around 200 scam reports and over 10,000 business complaints connected to online gambling and gaming.
Reports ranged from theft to unclear terms and conditions, leaving some people without tens of thousands of dollars.
Jessica Tharp, president and CEO of BBB of Central Illinois, said that with some scams involving unsanctioned betting platforms from outside the United States, people should check which platforms are legal in their state before placing a bet.
“The state of Illinois has authorized a few online betting platforms,” said Tharp. “You want to make sure that you’re using one of those, because if you end up doing business with someone that’s not licensed in our state, there’s absolutely no help for you whatsoever.”
Tharp said the opportunity for these apps to get into the market is simple, making it much easier for these companies to scam people.
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