Key points:
- Fraudulent ads claim Beau Rivage offers online gambling, despite such services being illegal in Mississippi
- The ads use Beau Rivage branding to redirect users to unauthorised gambling sites
- Legal online gambling at Beau Rivage is limited to sports betting within the casino via the BetMGM app
Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, has warned the public about a surge of fraudulent advertisements falsely claiming the casino now offers online gambling services.
These ads, which appeared on Facebook and other social media platforms earlier this week, are reported to be entirely fake and have no affiliation with the casino.
Approximately 40 ads have been identified on Facebook, with evidence suggesting similar posts on Instagram and Messenger.
The advertisements allege that Beau Rivage is “officially” online, promising a $1,000 welcome bonus and free spins.
To create a false sense of authenticity, the scammers have used stolen Beau Rivage logos, images of the casino and counterfeit slot machine tickets.
Mary Cracchiolo, Regional Public Relations Director for Beau Rivage, confirmed the advertisements are a hoax, and the casino’s legal team is actively investigating their origins.
Executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission Jay McDaniel noted that such scams often originate from offshore operators who are difficult to trace or prosecute.
Online gambling remains illegal in Mississippi except for sports betting conducted within casino premises.
Good to know: Beau Rivage offers the BetMGM app which allows guests to place sports bets while physically on-site; the app cannot be used outside the casino, however
Consumers are advised to be cautious and look for signs of fake advertisements. Warning indicators include links that do not lead to the official Beau Rivage website, shortened versions of the casino’s name, or posts that are absent from the casino’s verified social media accounts.
These fake ads direct users to unauthorised gambling platforms and remain active, enticing unsuspecting individuals to spend money on illegitimate games.
As authorities and Beau Rivage work to address the issue, the public is urged to stay vigilant and avoid engaging with suspicious advertisements.
