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The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced its first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week for Nov. 9–13, 2026, focusing on the risks of unlicensed online gambling. A free tool launching Nov. 9 will allow consumers to check available licensing information for gambling websites in covered IAGR member jurisdictions.
According to CDC Gaming, IAGR announced the initiative on Oct. 26 and outlined it during a briefing at its annual conference in Lima, Peru.
Campaign highlights risks of unlicensed gambling
The campaign’s central message is: “Before you bet, check whether the site is licensed where you are playing.”
IAGR said consumers using unlicensed sites may encounter unpaid winnings, limited dispute resolution options, misuse of personal or financial information, and a lack of responsible gambling protections.
“People often mistake visibility for trust,” IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally said. “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 initiative will support coordinated consumer communications across member jurisdictions.
Licensing tool launches Nov. 9
CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, a free licensing-information tool contributed by Sharp Vision, will be featured in the campaign. Consumers will be able to enter a gambling site’s URL to check available licensing information drawn from regulatory records and other verified public sources.
Its stated scope is covered IAGR member jurisdictions. The supplied source does not identify those jurisdictions or establish whether West Virginia will be included.
Campaign materials developed by R&R Partners will be available to IAGR members on Nov. 6. The initial English- and Spanish-language package includes 30-second and 15-second videos, social media content, a draft press release, and talking points. Members may add agency branding and distribute the materials during the awareness week.
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Source: As reported by CDC Gaming Reports.
