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IRS Warns Online Sports Bettors of Fraud Risk as Crypto Use Grows

The IRS criminal investigations chief warns that crypto exposure coupled with weak customer safeguards is putting bettors at risk.

Overview

  • Guy Ficco cautioned that using non‑reputable betting sites can put deposits and winnings at risk.
  • He said investigators are seeing an influx of identity theft tied to online casinos.
  • Ficco cited a case involving a Costa Rica operator that handled over $2 billion in wagers and allegedly failed to report more than $20 million in tax.
  • New York sportsbooks took in $527.6 million during the NFL season’s first week, underscoring the volume flowing through the market.
  • Bettors were urged to stick with large, reputable platforms, research where they deposit money, and proceed with caution.