The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the upcoming launch of its first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week (IGAW), scheduled to take place across November.
Designed as an internationally coordinated effort, the campaign aims to raise consumer awareness regarding the hidden dangers and financial risks posed by unlicensed online gambling operators. The initiative was formally unveiled during a leadership briefing at the annual IAGR conference held in Lima, Peru.
The campaign’s central message is straightforward: consumers should verify whether a gambling platform holds a valid local licence before opening an account or depositing funds. Emphasizing the cross-border nature of the issue, IAGR President Ben Haden stated:
“The reach of online gambling makes this a shared challenge for regulators. By coordinating our consumer communications, we can help more people understand why local licensing matters and where to find reliable information before they engage with an operator.”
Dangers of the unlicensed market
Unlicensed online gambling platforms present severe risks to consumers, including a lack of recourse for unpaid winnings, minimal dispute resolution options, and potential misuse of personal and financial data. Furthermore, unregulated sites often fail to implement mandatory responsible gambling protections required of authorized operators. In addition to individual consumer harm, unverified betting traffic can inadvertently fund criminal syndicates involved in money laundering, human trafficking, and terrorist financing.
To support member participation, independent marketing agency R&R Partners developed comprehensive campaign materials available for distribution starting November 6, 2026. Member jurisdictions are encouraged to adapt the creative assets with local agency branding, issue press releases, and coordinate media interviews during the active campaign window from November 9 to 13.
CheckBeforeYouPlay.org verification tool
A cornerstone of the November initiative is the integration of CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, a complimentary licensing information tool contributed by Paris-based regulatory technology firm Sharp Vision. Launching publicly on November 9, the platform enables consumers to enter a gambling site URL and instantly review official licensing data across participating IAGR member jurisdictions.
IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally highlighted the psychological appeal of illicit sites, noting:
“People often mistake visibility for trust. A professional-looking website or a recognizable name can give consumers confidence without knowing whether the site is properly licensed in that location. We want consumers to routinely check the licensing status of a site before opening an account or making a deposit.”
The campaign launch follows recent structural developments for the association, including the appointment of Fabio Macorin, Deputy Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of Finance Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, to the IAGR board of trustees.
