Arizona Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling with Cease and Desist Orders
Arizona’s Department of Gaming (ADG) once again took a hard stance against illegal gambling, issuing cease-and-desist orders to six unlicensed operators: ARB Gaming (Modo.us), BetUS.com.pa, Epic Hunts, Generiz, MyBookie, and ProphetX.
Shutting Down Unlicensed Operators
These firms, offering slot-style games, sweepstakes, sports betting, horse racing, and peer-to-peer wagering, were labeled “felony criminal enterprises” for violating Arizona laws on promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise, and money laundering. Each was ordered to halt operations and block Arizona residents from their sites immediately.
The ADG’s move protects consumers in a state where legal betting, launched in 2021, generated a $2.1 billion handle in 2024. ADG Director Jackie Johnson said that illegal gaming, no matter the platform or format, has no place in Arizona.
Warnings issued in January and March 2025 flagged risks of unlicensed platforms, like identity theft, with a February alert noting $64 billion in annual U.S. offshore betting. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity via ADG’s hotline, (602) 255-3886.
Who’s Targeted and Why
The operators span multiple formats. ARB Gaming (Modo.us) and Epic Hunts run sweepstakes, while Generiz operates an event-wagering sportsbook.
ProphetX offers peer-to-peer exchanges and sweepstakes sportsbooks, and MyBookie and BetUS.com.pa provide various illegal gambling options. All lack Arizona licenses, violating A.R.S. § 13-3303 (promotion of gambling), § 13-2312 (illegal enterprise control), and § 13-2317 (money laundering), each a felony.
This isn’t Arizona’s first crackdown. A December 2024 cease-and-desist order targeted Bovada, which exited 17 states after similar actions
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