Online Gambling Platforms Facing Potential Class Action Lawsuit in Kentucky
A class action lawsuit was recently filed in the Eastern District of Kentucky against two unlicensed offshore casino and sports betting platforms, Bovada and Bodog. The plaintiff, Billi Jo Woods, claims that these platforms targeted players in the US, including those in Kentucky, in violation of federal and state laws.
Bovada and Bodog are controlled and operated by Morris Mohawk Gaming Group, Alywin Morris, Clavin Ayre, and Harp Media BV. They hold licenses through Curacao, an island country known for its supportive stance towards iGaming operators. Woods seeks to recover her losses as well as allow other consumers to do the same.
The lawsuit highlights a 19th-century Kentucky law that allows Kentuckians to take legal action when they believe a gaming operator has illegally taken their money. Federal law is also cited to hold the case in the Kentucky federal court.
The complaint alleges that Bovada and Bodog marketed their services to US consumers with false claims of offering a "trusted source for gaming and betting" and "a perfect place to blow off some steam with a little slot or table game session". Woods claims she lost "thousands of dollars gambling" on the two sites, and that they presented themselves as legitimate online businesses in Kentucky.
Despite being banned from operating in the US, offshore gaming websites continue to attract players, as they sometimes offer better lines and odds than regulated platforms. The defendants have 21 days to respond to the complaint. Due to Curacao's refusal to extradite individuals accused of legal issues, it may be difficult to penalize them.
This lawsuit mirrors a previous one filed against PokerStars by the Kentucky government. The state sought over $1.3 billion in damages from PokerStars, which was seized by the US DoJ in 2011 and later settled for $300 million in 2021.
Summary:
A Kentucky resident filed a class action lawsuit against unlicensed offshore casino and sports betting platforms Bovada and Bodog, alleging they violated the US and state laws by targeting players in the US. Woods seeks to recover her losses and those of other consumers. The case leverages a century-old Kentucky statute that permits gamblers to sue platform operators. The lawsuit's defendants have multiple licenses through Curacao, making it potentially challenging to penalize them. Bovada and Bodog have 21 days to respond. This lawsuit is reminiscent of a similar one filed by Kentucky against PokerStars, which recently settled for $300 million.
Read also:
- Dachshund sporting a down jacket for handball
- SPD intends to raze Elbtower if required.
- The dire situation faced by the horseback champion is revealed.
- Expecting Children at Siemens Company
Source: www.casino.org