IAGR announces first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) announced its first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, scheduled for 9-13 November 2026, describing it as the first internationally coordinated effort to raise consumer awareness of unlicensed online gambling risks. IAGR outlined the initiative at its annual conference in Lima and said it will support coordinated communications by member jurisdictions urging consumers to check licensing before betting.

IAGR President Ben Haden said the reach of online gambling makes it a shared challenge for regulators, and that coordinated consumer communications can help more people understand why local licensing matters and where to find reliable information. IAGR warned that users of unlicensed sites may face unpaid winnings, limited dispute options, misuse of personal or financial information, and reduced access to responsible gambling protections.

R&R Partners developed the campaign creative and materials, which will be available on 6 November in English and Spanish and include videos, social content, a draft press release and talking points. The campaign will feature CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, a free licensing information tool contributed by Paris-based Sharp Vision, launching on 9 November. IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally said consumers should routinely check a site's licensing status before opening an account or depositing.