Offshore Casino in Pennsylvania Ordered to Relocate
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In a concerted effort to protect consumers and state revenues, several US states have taken legal action against offshore gambling sites like Bovada. The American Gaming Association (AGA) has also joined the call for enforcement, urging state gaming regulators and lawmakers to go after these illegal operators.
Cease-and-Desist Letters Sent Across the Nation
Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and others have issued cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling websites. These operators are offering unlicensed online gambling services that violate state gaming laws.
In Michigan, for instance, the Gaming Control Board issued nine such letters for unlicensed online casinos in early 2025. Similarly, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency sent cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes operators in March 2025. New York's Attorney General sent cease-and-desist letters to 26 online casinos, emphasizing that betting with virtual coins redeemable for cash qualifies as illegal gambling.
AGA's Call for Action
Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO, stated that illegal operators are a scourge on the nation, and their days are numbered. The AGA has urged federal law enforcement agencies to focus on the largest offshore operators, including MyBookie and BetOnline, in addition to Bovada.
Bovada's Operations Under Scrutiny
Bovada, with its headquarters and operations based in Curacao, has been under scrutiny. The company claims to operate lawfully through an online gambling license from the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority. However, Pennsylvania, among other states, has told offshore gambling websites like Bovada to stop allowing players from their jurisdictions access to its online slots, table games, and sportsbook.
Regulated iGaming Thrives
In contrast, iGaming in the seven states where it's allowed, including Rhode Island, continues to realize revenue increases. In 2024, iGaming revenue is expected to set a new annual record with the introduction of Rhode Island and the other six states reporting higher iGaming revenue at the mid-year point. In 2023, gross gaming revenue (GGR) from legal online casinos hit a record $6.17 billion, up almost 23% year over year.
Consumer Protections at Stake
State gaming regulators claim that offshore gambling platforms provide no consumer protections. They argue that there's no guarantee that a winning bet will be paid or a customer's ability to withdraw their account's funds. Many unregulated sites also lack adequate responsible gaming safeguards.
Looking Ahead
The AGA, in its fight against illegal gambling, has also encouraged the US Justice Department to enforce the country's laws against illegal gambling enterprises. As the crackdown on offshore gambling sites continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming months.
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- Offshore gambling sites like Bovada, MyBookie, and BetOnline are facing scrutiny from state gaming regulators and the American Gaming Association (AGA) for offering unlicensed online gambling services that violate state gaming laws.
- Several US states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Louisiana, and Massachusetts, have issued cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling websites, emphasizing the violation of state gaming laws.
- In Pennsylvania, offshore gambling websites like Bovada have been told to stop allowing players from their jurisdiction access to its online slots, table games, and sportsbook due to its violation of state gaming laws.
- The AGA, led by Bill Miller, has called for enforcement against these illegal operators, urging federal law enforcement agencies to focus on the largest offshore operators.
- In the US, the AGA and state gaming regulators argue that offshore gambling platforms provide no consumer protections, with no guarantee that a winning bet will be paid or a customer's ability to withdraw their account's funds.
- The fight against illegal gambling, led by the AGA, has encouraged the US Justice Department to enforce the country's laws against illegal gambling enterprises, as the crackdown on offshore gambling sites continues, the situation's evolution in the coming months remains to be seen.
