A bipartisan group of United States Senators, including Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), sent a letter today to US Attorney General Pam Bondi calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to intensify efforts against illegal offshore gaming operations that are allegedly targeting and exploiting American youth.
The senators’ letter expresses concern regarding the use of these unregulated platforms by minors for sports betting and other forms of gambling.
Unlike legal domestic operators, the illegal sites are accused of having no age verification, offering gambling on credit, and providing no resources for addiction, thereby exposing young people to significant harm.
The letter cites data indicating a concerning rise in gambling among youth and notes that the early onset of gambling is linked to a higher likelihood of problem gambling.
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The senators echo a previous request made in August 2025 by 50 state and territory attorneys general, who urged the DOJ to use its authority under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to pursue injunctive relief and block access to these illegal offshore sites.
“We now ask you to work to ensure that American children are adequately protected from the threats posed by illegal offshore gaming,” the senators wrote.
Beyond requesting increased focus and cooperation with state and territory attorneys general, the letter formally asks Attorney General Bondi to provide the following information:
- An assessment of how many, if any, illegal offshore gaming operations the DOJ has successfully targeted.
- An assessment of ongoing or planned DOJ efforts to restrict access to these illegal operations within the U.S.
- Any unclassified information or data the DOJ possesses regarding the explicit targeting of American youth by these offshore operations.
- A comprehensive assessment of any legal authorities or resources the DOJ may lack that would assist in targeting illegal offshore gaming.
The senators’ action highlights a growing concern among lawmakers and legal officials regarding the impact of easily accessible, unregulated online gambling on vulnerable populations, particularly minors.
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