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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.
How offshore online casinos scam Florida gamblers
The Better Business Bureau reports that many illegal gambling sites are designed to look like legitimate operators, using similar layouts, colors and promotional banners. Scammers often offer large payouts and generous bonuses to encourage small initial deposits.
These platforms then display inflated account balances to make users believe they are winning, prompting them to deposit more. But when players attempt to withdraw funds, they are blocked and told they must pay additional fees before any money can be released.
Many illegal operators use cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other alternative payment methods, making lost funds difficult to recover. Because most of these operations are based offshore, they are largely shielded from enforcement. According to the BBB, scammers keep victims engaged until the sites ultimately shut down.
Florida fights to shut down offshore online casinos
Florida has a single legal online sportsbook: Hard Rock Bet, operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under a semitribal compact. Online casino games are fully illegal in Florida because they occur without regulation or taxation, said Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming.
In February 2025, the Florida Gaming Control Commission issued cease-and-desist orders to several major offshore operators — including Bovada, BetUS and MyBookie. The FGCC said those platforms were committing felony offenses under state law by accepting wagers on casino-style games, sports and horse racing.
The move underscores how regulators have begun to actively target offshore operators — though enforcement remains complicated when those operators are based overseas and outside US jurisdiction.
Despite this, offshore gambling platforms continue to target Florida residents. Regulators have limited authority over overseas operators, leaving these platforms with minimal enforcement risk.
The BBB notes that regulating online operators is significantly more complicated than overseeing licensed brick-and-mortar casinos, which function under established oversight frameworks and clearer enforcement processes.
Florida families hit hard as online gambling scams grow
Florida resident Trey Killian says he has watched family members struggle with gambling addiction and now avoids gambling altogether. He warns others to be cautious of online offers that promise easy winnings.
Older Floridians face elevated risks, as many are unfamiliar with digital platforms and modern payment tools. The BBB says victims often believe they are earning real money, only to discover they cannot withdraw their funds.
Losses can escalate quickly as people continue depositing, believing their balance is growing. Consumer advocates say the emotional toll is similar to traditional gambling harm, compounded by digital manipulation and financial uncertainty.
Protecting yourself from offshore online casino fraud
The BBB urges Floridians to confirm a platform’s legal status before depositing any money. Warning signs of a scam include:
- Overseas business addresses
- Requests for cryptocurrency or other unusual payment methods
- Demands for deposits before winnings can be released
- Online ads claiming unverified tribal affiliations
Officials remind residents that online casino gaming is illegal in Florida; any site offering those games is breaking the law. Players are encouraged to review state regulatory listings, avoid unlicensed operators and seek help if they suspect fraud. Ongoing awareness campaigns aim to guide consumers and reduce losses.
Regulators predict more fraud unless laws change in Florida
Internet gambling is expected to continue growing, and regulators anticipate complaint volumes will rise unless stronger enforcement tools are developed. Offshore locations make many illegal operators difficult to investigate.
In the meantime, consumer protection groups and tribal operators are calling for better public education to help residents understand Florida’s legal landscape. According to BBB officials, exposure to scams could drop with clearer rules, improved monitoring and more frequent warnings.
The gap between illegal and legal online casinos and sports betting is likely to widen unless lawmakers address the loopholes scammers exploit. Consumer interest is also expected to increase as Florida considers changes to its gambling laws.
