“I wasn’t the husband I should be. I wasn’t the father I should be. It cost me almost everything.” For Don Weinberger, sports betting problems contributed to losing a motorhome, car and finally his family home of more than 15 years. 

That was decades ago. And while the illegal gaming world has evolved, the risks are still very real — even if you don’t struggle with a gambling problem.  

The spinning reels and nonstop dings and chimes of online casinos, sweepstakes and sports betting websites can look and sound like the brick-and-mortar casino experience. But there’s a big difference: they’re illegal and you risk losing money to shady, overseas gaming operators.

Most of these gaming websites are based outside the United States to avoid laws and enforcement measures. It’s illegal for them to offer these games to Minnesota residents and illegal for Minnesotans to play.  

That means anyone gambling on these sites is not only breaking the law but also taking a big risk with their money. Our Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) team wants you to know that while many of them look like legitimate, regulated platforms — they’re not. These companies have not been vetted in the United States, let alone the state of Minnesota.  

“These organizations can be very deceptive in their advertising and make it look like the gaming is supported in Minnesota, when in fact, it’s not,” said AGE Director Carla Cincotta. “Don’t be fooled and risk not only losing your money but running into trouble with the law as well. It doesn't matter if the website is cleverly designed or poorly designed. If you're participating, you're breaking the law.”

The American Gaming Association (AGA) conducted consumer research into the world of online sweepstakes. They’re very concerned about the results and the risk to consumers.  

"These operators present themselves like legal, regulated platforms — but they operate outside the law and regulation,” said AGA Vice President of Government Relations Tres York. "There are few if any responsible gaming tools, no regulatory oversight, and no consumer protections. It’s a dangerous subterfuge that puts players at real risk.”

Research data compiled by AGA revealed that half of online, real-money casino advertisements in early 2025 promoted offshore "sweepstakes” casinos. AGA noted that sweepstakes casinos advertise on popular digital platforms throughout the country. That’s unlike regulated gaming operators who advertise in legal states where there are consumer protections and regulatory oversight.

AGE warns Minnesotans that if you place a wager through an illegal, online gaming platform:

• There’s no guarantee that you’ll get paid if you win.  
• There’s no way to know if the betting will be run fairly.  
• There's likely no way to get your money back if you've been wronged.  
• There’s no way to know where your wager and money are going and what it’s supporting.  
• There are no resources in place to identify and assist with problem gambling.

The gambling industry in Minnesota is regulated, and there are consumer protections in place. For example, if there’s a dispute between a player and legal gaming operator or someone who believes they have been wronged with the payout process, the consumer can file a complaint and AGE will investigate. Consumer protection measures in Minnesota also include providing resources to help people struggling with problem gambling.  

In Minnesota, legal gambling options can also benefit local communities. The money spent supports local causes ranging from youth sports and educational activities to community development and healthcare.  

What kind of gambling activities are legal in Minnesota? Allowable activities include:

• Licensed charitable gambling, including pull tabs, paddlewheels, tip boards, bingo and raffles.
• Minnesota Lottery
• Pari-mutuel betting on horse races. A pari-mutuel betting system is where all the money bet is pooled together. After taking out costs, the remaining money is divided among the winners, based on how much they bet.
• Tribal gaming  

If you choose to gamble, stay safe and stay legal. If you or a loved one is struggling with problem gambling, here are available resources:

• Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling
  • Call 800-333-HOPE (4673)
  • Text “HOPE” to 53342
• National Council on Problem Gambling
  • Call 800-GAMBLER
  • Text 800GAM