The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has received inquiries from patrons seeking to verify the legitimacy of companies that are issuing tax forms for gambling winnings. As a result, the ADG wants to take this opportunity to remind Arizonans to be cautious this tax season and to thoroughly review and investigate any requests from anyone purporting to be the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).

The ADG would like to remind Arizonans that if they participate in casino gambling, parimutuel/simulcast wagering, event wagering, and/or fantasy sports, they may receive a W-2G or 1099-MISC form for their winnings. It is important to be aware that the gambling institution that you choose to participate in gaming activities with will be the payor, and the payor is responsible for issuing the tax form. The ADG
advises that Arizonans keep accurate records of any winnings from all gambling activities throughout the year to avoid any confusion during tax season. It is further recommended that Arizonans consult a tax professional if they have any questions about income reporting requirements to ensure they file an accurate tax return.

To help ensure Arizonans are aware of common tax scams, the ADG advises Arizonans to review the
following links and articles on the IRS website discussing common tax scams for 2025:

1. As stated on the IRS website, the IRS will make initial contact with a taxpayer through a letter
   sent via the United States Postal Service. Be wary of anyone purporting to be the IRS or ADG
   contacting you by phone, email, or social media requesting personal or financial information.
2. If you receive a letter from someone purporting to be the IRS, you can verify that the letter is
   legitimate through the IRS website.
3. Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats.
4. Misleading social media advice leads to false claims for Fuel Tax Credit, Sick and Family Leave
   Credit, household employment taxes; FAQs help address common questions, next steps for those
   receiving IRS letters.

What to Do If You Encounter Fraud or Identity Theft:

If you believe you or someone you know has been targeted by fraudulent payors or individuals
purporting to be the IRS, file a consumer complaint by visiting azag.gov/consumer. You can also find the
contact information for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office below:

• Phoenix: (602) 542-5763
• Tucson: (520) 628-6648
• Statewide: (800) 352-8431

For more information, check out the Department’s related news releases from this past year:

• ADG PSA: Tips for Safe and Responsible Online Gaming
• Please Remain Vigilant: Department PSA on Gaming Scam Calls

In a landmark initiative to enhance responsible gaming and support community well-being, tribal gaming leaders have announced their support for the upcoming launch of a comprehensive Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program. This program will enable individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all participating tribal casinos in sovereign nations and territories in one step.

The program will launch in Wisconsin in March before expanding to other states in collaboration with participating tribal gaming commissions.

For those attending the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention, a presentation will be held at the Chairman’s Lounge on April 2, 2025, as well as individual meetings with tribes throughout the event.

An Advisory Board for the Tribal-Wide program has been established and includes:

Anika Howard – President/CEO, Wondr Nation

Jamie Hummingbird – Chairman, National Tribal Gaming Commissioners/Regulators

Oscar Schuyler – Chairman, Board of Regulators, Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority, Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas

Ernie Stevens – Chairman, Indian Gaming Association of Washington DC

Tamara Van Schyndel – Executive Director, Paskenta Tribal Gaming Commission

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“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the health of our people and communities. By tribes coming together to offer a streamlined process for self-exclusion with a technology partner that shares our values, we help people in our communities who are looking to take a break or stop gambling do so for the amount of time they need,” Ivory Kelly, CEO of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming, said.

The self-exclusion platform is provided by idPair, whose award-winning self-exclusion software is designed to comply with local regulations, protect tribal sovereignty, and effectively serve the needs of diverse communities.

“Tribal nations have long been at the forefront of promoting responsible gaming practices, demonstrating leadership through our actions. This initiative not only underscores the commitment of tribal nations to player protection but also sets a precedent for others to follow. We encourage all tribal leaders and regulators to extend their consideration in joining this program, expanding its reach and reinforcing our collective dedication to responsible gaming,” Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association of Washington DC., said.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has announced the observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) throughout March 2025. This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” aims to increase awareness of problem gambling as a serious yet often misunderstood mental health condition. PGAM serves as a crucial platform for improving public understanding, removing barriers to care, and encouraging open conversations about the impact of gambling on individuals, families, and communities.

Cait Huble, NCPG’s Director of Communications, said: “Problem gambling is often described as a ‘hidden addiction,’ and with an estimated 9 million Americans affected, the need for awareness and support has never been greater. By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, we can encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support to those affected by gambling-related harm.”

Throughout March, local and national organizations will host special events, offer educational workshops, and engage in local advocacy efforts to advance the two primary goals of PGAM: To increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services; and to encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling. The observance brings together stakeholders, including public health organizations, advocacy groups, professional sports leagues, and gambling operators.