Venmo’s Role in Gambling, Sex, and Drug Payments: A Closer Look

In today’s digital era, payment platforms have reshaped how people conduct transactions, eliminating the need for cash in many situations. Whether grabbing a meal at McDonald’s, shopping online, or even placing bets through online casinos or bookmakers, digital wallets have made physical currency almost obsolete. However, this convenience has also attracted illicit activities, highlighting the darker side of these platforms.

The Shift Away from Cash

The phrase “Cash is king” is becoming less relevant in a world dominated by digital transactions. With just a tap on a screen, people can send or receive thousands of dollars, reducing the need to carry cash. However, this seamless payment process has been co-opted by individuals engaged in illegal activities such as drug sales, unlawful gambling, and even sex work. For these users, digital wallets offer a quick and relatively secure way to manage payments.

Forbes Report: Venmo’s Involvement in Illicit Transactions

A report published by Forbes sheds light on how Venmo, a popular payment platform owned by PayPal, has been used beyond its intended purposes. While most people use Venmo for everyday expenses like paying for TV subscriptions, food deliveries, or online shopping, some have turned to the platform for illegal gambling, purchasing drugs such as cocaine and marijuana, and paying for sex services.

Although PayPal does not release specific data on transactions related to illicit activities, Forbes estimated that such transactions might constitute less than 1% of Venmo’s total activity. While this may seem like a small percentage, Venmo processed $270 billion in transactions in 2023. If the estimate is accurate, this could translate to $1-2 billion worth of transactions linked to illegal activities.

Convenience at a Cost: Digital Payment Records

The same features that make digital payment platforms appealing also make them risky for those engaging in unlawful transactions. Every payment made through Venmo is recorded, leaving a clear trail that law enforcement can access if needed. Users must link their Venmo accounts to legitimate bank accounts using their real names, making anonymity difficult.

Despite this, some individuals still use these platforms due to the sheer convenience they offer. Sex workers, OnlyFans creators, paid escorts, illegal bookmakers, and even drug dealers have found digital wallets easier to manage than handling cash.

Misleading Transaction Notes

Another interesting aspect of Venmo transactions is the option to include payment notes. While legitimate users might detail their payments accurately, those involved in illegal trades often use vague or misleading descriptions. Meanwhile, some friends playfully write incriminating notes like “for weed” or “for drugs” as a joke, further complicating transaction monitoring.

Law Enforcement’s Perspective

From a law enforcement standpoint, digital payment records offer valuable leads. When authorities uncover accounts linked to criminal activities, they can trace transactions to identify additional suspects and even dismantle large-scale illegal operations. This investigative process has the potential to reveal networks of drug distribution, illegal betting, and more.

Industry Oversight and Regulatory Actions

In response to rising concerns, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has introduced regulatory measures targeting digital payment platforms. In November 2024, the CFPB finalized a rule to supervise large nonbank entities offering digital payment services, ensuring compliance with federal laws to protect consumer data and prevent fraud.

Furthermore, academic research supports increased oversight. A University of California, Davis study analyzed 23 million Venmo transactions over two years, finding over 83,000 users associated with drug-related terms and emojis, suggesting potential misuse.

Financial institutions are also enhancing anti-money laundering measures to address these challenges. Digital payment platforms are being held to similar standards as traditional banks, reducing the risk of exploitation by criminals.

Broader Implications and Future Challenges

The rise of digital payment platforms has introduced complex challenges for financial regulators. In addition to law enforcement crackdowns, international cooperation is increasingly essential to combat financial crimes occurring across borders. Companies processing digital payments are adopting artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to detect suspicious activities in real time.

Educational campaigns targeting platform users have also emerged, aiming to raise awareness about secure digital payment practices. Public advisories encourage users to avoid sharing sensitive transaction details and to report suspected fraudulent activities immediately.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Notable cases have illustrated how digital payment platforms can be misused. For example, in 2022, law enforcement agencies uncovered a large-scale drug operation in the U.S. where payments were funneled through multiple Venmo accounts to conceal the origin of funds. Similarly, investigations into illegal gambling rings have revealed sophisticated money-laundering schemes involving cryptocurrency wallets linked to payment apps.

Other mobile payment platforms like Cash App and PayPal, in addition to their legal uses, have also attracted illicit activities, including money laundering. Criminals exploit these platforms’ rapid transaction capabilities and relative anonymity to move illicit funds. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters utilized apps such as Cash App and PayPal to launder money from relief funds, taking advantage of the massive disbursements under the CARES Act.

In a notable case, a group of individuals, including Aaron Peterson Jr., orchestrated the theft of $300,000 in Bitcoin from a Queens auto body shop owner. The stolen funds were laundered through small transactions into Cash App accounts and used for luxury purchases, such as a Rolex and a Mercedes-Benz.

The inherent features of these platforms can inadvertently facilitate money laundering. Their ease of use, combined with insufficient customer due diligence, allows bad actors to exploit them for illicit purposes. Investigations have revealed that criminal organizations have used platforms like Cash App to launder money and finance terrorism, highlighting significant gaps in anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) processes.

Legitimate Uses for Legal Gambling

Despite these challenges, platforms like PayPal are also utilized for legal gambling activities. Many online casinos accept PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, offering players a secure and efficient payment method. For example, in the UK, top online casinos such as MrQ Casino and Winomania integrate PayPal, providing users with quick transactions and added security.

Similarly, in the US, online casinos like Caesars Palace Online Casino and BetMGM accept PayPal, enhancing the gambling experience with seamless financial operations.