Online gambling is expanding quickly across the United States, and the rapid growth has increased the risk of fraud. Between 2022 and mid-2025, the Better Business Bureau received more than 10,000 complaints and nearly 200 scam reports related to online gambling.
Florida residents are not exempt, as illegal operators continue to target them each year. Many of these sites use convincing designs, inflated account balances and repeated deposit requests to pressure people into sending more money.
Officials warn that offshore operators face little accountability and pose heightened risks to consumers. The rise of legal online sports betting in Florida has also created confusion about which platforms can be trusted.
Growth of online gambling and public confusion
Online gaming and sports wagering continue to grow nationwide, with the US market generating more than $70 billion in revenue in 2024. Because regulations differ from state to state, many users remain uncertain about what they can legally access.
In Florida, residents may participate in online sports betting, but online casino games remain illegal. Dishonest platforms exploit this gap by promoting casino-style games that appear legitimate, leading some residents to unknowingly engage with illegal gambling sites.
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