Massachusetts was among the states that launched online sports betting in 2023. While betting online is available, online casino gambling is still illegal in the state. Still, this doesn’t stop unlicensed operators from offering their services and trying to engage with customers via social media ads by pretending to be affiliated with known brick-and-mortar casinos.
Plainridge Park Casino Warns About Fake Online Casino Ad
That’s precisely the case with PENN Entertainment’s Plainridge Park Casino in Massachusetts which recently released a warning after a social media ad suggested it is connected to an online casino. Earlier this week, the premium gaming and entertainment destination in Plainville warned that a fake “Plainridge Online Casino” advertisement can be seen via social media.
Plainridge Park Casino confirmed that the advertisement in question is a scam and denied any affiliation with the so-called “Plainridge Online Casino.” The popular gaming destination reminded that it currently doesn’t offer any online gambling activities nor it is associated in any way with the aforementioned iGaming application.
“A fake ” Plainridge Online Casino” advertisement is circulating on social media. This is a scam; we do not offer online gaming and are not affiliated with this app. Please do not provide any credit card or personal information,“
reads a statement released by Plainridge Park Casino
The Casino Asked Customers to Report the Fake Casino Ad
Not unexpectedly, Plainridge Park Casino encouraged its customers not to give any personal or credit card information to the fake online casino. “Please be vigilant anytime an online entity is asking for your credit card or personal information,” the popular Plainville casino wrote.
PENN Entertainment’s property also asked everyone who sees the fraudulent ad to report it to Facebook. Last but not least, Plainridge Park Casino reminded that a verified checkmark is a testament that its page is legitimate.
Users online who saw Plainridge Park Casino’s announcement shared their concerns. One person wrote: “Knew it was fake,” while another one thanked the casino for flagging this online scam.
While some were able to identify the fraudulent nature of the advertisement, others have fallen for the misleading information it presented. An online user under Plainridge Park Casino’s announcement wrote: “I received it and sadly gave them my info, no money though, but then I realized it’s not legit.”
Illegal online casino operators often claim association with land-based casinos as a way to prove they are trustworthy. Still, such actions are unlawful and may result in litigation against bad actors.