Deceptive Online Gaming Adverts Persistently Imitate Genuine Casinos
In the digital age, where online gambling has become increasingly popular, a significant issue has emerged in Florida. Cybercriminals are impersonating legitimate casinos, including the Miccosukee Casino & Resort, to scam consumers [1][2].
These impersonation scams are particularly prevalent in jurisdictions like Florida, where real-money online casino gaming is illegal, creating confusion and increasing vulnerability to fraud [1]. The fraudsters exploit the trusted reputations of legitimate casinos through fake ads on major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other websites, often using AI-generated content and deepfake technology to make the scams highly convincing [1].
Victims of these scams face risks including identity theft, loss of funds, financial fraud, and malware infections, as these sites often lead to unregulated offshore gambling operations [1][2]. The Miccosukee Casino & Resort has been specifically identified as a target for such impersonation scams, with illegal operators using its branding to promote fake gambling platforms and deceive players [2].
Regulators and casino operators are issuing urgent warnings and working with social media companies to implement stricter verification and takedown policies to combat this issue [1]. It is crucial for consumers to remain cautious and verify the legitimacy of any online gambling sites claiming association with reputable casinos [1][2].
The Miccosukee Casino & Resort, owned by the Miccosukee Tribe, operates without a Class III compact with the State of Florida. It can only offer slot-like electronic bingo games, bingo, and non-house-banked table games like poker. The casino boasts 1,800 electronic gaming machines, 20 poker tables, a 302-room hotel, five restaurants and bars, flexible meeting space, live entertainment, and a nearby 18-hole championship golf course [2].
The Miccosukee Tribe has been outspoken in its opposition to Alligator Alcatraz, an immigration detention center in the Everglades' Big Cypress National Preserve. The casino is located roughly 25 air miles from the detention center [2]. It is important to note that the Miccosukee Casino does not operate any online gambling platforms.
As of July 2025, only seven states in the US permit online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Mobile sportsbooks are legal and regulated in 33 states, plus Washington, DC. Offshore and controversial websites that claim to offer social sweepstakes games continue to target US players in prohibited iGaming markets [2].
In response to the fraudulent advertisements, the Miccosukee Casino & Resort has emphasised that protecting the integrity of its brand and the trust of its guests is a top priority. The article was last updated on July 22, 2025, at 03:09h.
- The Miccosukee Casino & Resort, despite being targeted by impersonation scams, doesn't operate any online gambling platforms.
- In Florida, where online casino gaming is illegal, the Miccosukee Casino & Resort is a popular target for such scams.
- The Seminole Tribe, owners of the Miccosukee Casino & Resort, operate under a Class III compact with the state, offering only slot-like electronic bingo games, bingo, and non-house-banked table games.
- Cybercriminals are using AI-generated content and deepfake technology to impersonate legitimate casinos in their fraudulent gambling advertisements.
- Regulators and casino operators are urging consumers to verify the legitimacy of online gambling sites to avoid falling victim to these scams.
- The general news media have reported on the increase in online gambling trends, with casino personalities and politics playing a significant role in policy and legislation.
- Online gambling scams can lead to various risks, including identity theft, loss of funds, financial fraud, and malware infections.
- The Miccosukee Casino & Resort has been specifically called out as a target for these impersonation scams, with illegal operators using its branding to promote fake gambling platforms.
- The issue of online gambling and fraudulent scams has also been linked to crime and justice, with manageable measures being suggested for responsible gambling.
- The Miccosukee Tribe has made its opposition to Alligator Alcatraz, an immigration detention center, known, with the casino located nearby.
- In the United States, as of July 2025, only seven states permit online casinos, while mobile sportsbooks are legal and regulated in 33 states plus Washington, DC.
- Offshore and controversial websites that offer social sweepstakes games target US players in prohibited iGaming markets, despite the existing laws.
- Online gambling fraudulent advertisements have been a significant issue in war-and-conflicts, migration, and casino-and-gambling culture discussions.
- The Miccosukee Casino & Resort regularly updates its policy and efforts to protect the integrity of its brand and the trust of its guests in response to such scams.
