On May 29, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued a stern directive to the Curaçao-based online gambling platform, Bovada, demanding it to halt all operations directed at Michigan residents. According to the MGCB, Bovada was found to be in blatant violation of multiple state laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and several sections of the Michigan penal code. Bovada’s parent company, Harp Media BV, was given a 14-day deadline from the receipt of the order to prevent Michigan residents from accessing its services.
The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Chris Cylke, voiced support for the MGCB’s action. In a statement emailed to iGaming Business, Cylke lauded Michigan’s and Colorado’s recent enforcement actions as signifiers that states possess the necessary tools to combat illegal offshore operators. “These actions should serve as blueprints for other states to follow,” he noted. However, Cylke stressed that state efforts alone would not suffice. He urged the Department of Justice to leverage its authority to assist in the collective battle against unlawful gambling, emphasizing that Congress has explicitly identified this as a departmental priority.
Michigan’s decisive action against Bovada is part of a broader movement among states to clamp down on unauthorized gambling platforms. Just last week, Connecticut joined the fray, issuing a letter to Harp Media BV on June 14. The state’s Department of Consumer Protection declared Bovada’s operations in violation of the Connecticut General Statutes, which strictly prohibit both gambling and professional gambling without appropriate licensure. Connecticut ordered Bovada to cease all advertising and service offerings to state residents immediately. The letter accentuated that Bovada lacked both an online gaming operator’s license and any other relevant credentials that would exempt its actions from the statutory gambling prohibitions outlined in Conn. Gen. Stat.
Industry stakeholders have expressed a wide range of views on the efficacy and future implications of these cease-and-desist orders. Las Vegas-based Brendan Bussmann of B Global, speaking to iGaming Business, stated that the initial cease-and-desist orders are only the first step. He emphasized the need for subsequent legal actions to reinforce these directives and protect against persistent illegal operators. “This is where the federal authorities come into play; it needs to be a coordinated effort,” Bussmann asserted.
Bovada, a notorious player in the U.
.S. black market for sports betting, has faced mounting legal challenges across various states. Prior to Michigan’s recent action, five states–New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Maryland, and Delaware–had already blocked Bovada’s operations within their jurisdictions. According to Bovada’s website, Colorado has also been added to the list of states where the platform is no longer accessible, though the precise timing of this addition remains unclear.
The crackdown on Bovada reflects a growing trend among U.S. states to take assertive measures against illegal gambling operations. The enforcement landscape is evolving as states seek to safeguard legal and regulated gambling enterprises within their borders. Part of this evolution involves not just singular state actions but also coordinated efforts that could potentially draw in federal authorities to amplify their impact.
The actions by Michigan and Connecticut are part of a concerted effort to ensure that online gambling operators adhere strictly to state-specific regulatory frameworks. Experts believe these moves could set a precedent for how other states address similar issues with offshore gambling enterprises. The focus on Bovada also highlights broader concerns within the gambling industry about the proliferation of illegal operators and the detrimental effects they can have on state revenues and consumer protection.
Michigan’s firm stand against Bovada may signal a tipping point in the battle between state regulatory bodies and offshore gambling entities. With states like Connecticut quickly following suit, the pressure on Bovada and similar platforms is intensifying. These recent developments could herald a new era of regulatory rigor aimed at curbing illegal online gambling operations across the United States.
In conclusion, Michigan’s recent order to Bovada is a significant move demonstrating the state’s commitment to upholding its gaming laws and protecting its residents from unauthorized gambling operations. As more states join this effort and potential federal involvement looms, the landscape for offshore gambling in the U.S. is poised for substantial change.
