Police Attempts to Crackdown on Online Casino Sites Fail

Police attempts to clamp down on online casino gaming sites in the US have failed, according to new reports. The latest findings indicate that far from discouraging gambling activity, government moves have been responsible for encouraging players to seek out services elsewhere. Experts have criticized the crackdown which, they say, will have a detrimental effect on the national economy as well as failing to limit undesirable gambling activity.

The report arrives in the wake of the recent controversial closure of leading online casino brands including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker. The sites, which represent some of the most renowned names in the industry, were closed in one foul swoop on April 15 2025 – an event dubbed 'Black Friday' by casino operators and players alike. Such an event has triggered players to sign up with alternative services which are unlikely to be targeted by the Feds resulting in the loss of millions of dollars worth of potential revenue for the government. Players have also been enjoying the benefits of offshore sites where they are able to claim their winnings tax free.

Commenting on the turn of events, gambling law professor at California's Whittier Law School in California criticized government action and noted that "prohibition" was not the same as "regulation". Speaking of the US market, he added that the closures had created a "vacuum" which was likely to be filled by operators "completely based overseas". It is clear that the government will be forced to review its existing policy as gamers throughout the country continue to access a plethora of casino venues online.