Bovada, an online sportsbook and casino operator, has recently stopped its operations in Michigan and Colorado due to regulatory concerns. The gaming regulators in both states issued legal notices to the parent company, Harp Media B.V., demanding that it cease its activities. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada on May 29, giving the company 14 days to stop offering its services to Michigan residents. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment or hefty fines.
Following Michigan’s lead, Colorado also issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, prompting the operator to restrict its services in the state. Bovada has now updated its Terms & Conditions to exclude residents from several states, including Michigan and Colorado. The company only exits state markets when explicitly instructed by regulatory authorities.
Lisa Keith from the MGCB emphasized the board’s commitment to monitoring Bovada’s compliance with the cease-and-desist letter. Meanwhile, Connecticut could be the next state to see Bovada’s exit, as the Department of Consumer Protection issued a similar letter to the company on June 14.
Massachusetts is also considering taking action against Bovada, following the enforcement actions taken by Michigan and Colorado. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission discussed potential measures during a recent meeting, with a formal assessment proposed to determine the necessary steps. The American Gaming Association’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations emphasized the importance of states and the Department of Justice working together to combat illegal online gambling.
Overall, the regulatory concerns surrounding Bovada’s operations in various states highlight the ongoing battle against offshore operators. State regulators are taking decisive actions to enforce gaming laws and protect consumers from illegal gambling activities. It remains to be seen how Bovada will navigate these regulatory challenges in the future and whether more states will follow in Michigan and Colorado’s footsteps.
