Bovada, an offshore gambling operator owned by Harp Media B.V., is leaving the Buckeye State after the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) sent a cease-and-desist letter to the operator earlier this month.
Ohio is the 11th U.S. territory to ban Bovada
Ohio joins a growing list of U.S. jurisdictions that no longer service Bovada. Other states are considering a ban as well. Michigan and Colorado started the wave of C&Ds for the operator earlier this year.
Both states sent cease and desists in May, and Bovada responded by blocking users from those states. Connecticut and Washington D.C. followed suit in July. U.S. jurisdictions that no longer allow its residents to access Bovada now include:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
Now that Ohio is on the list, three of the 10 most populous U.S. states have banned Bovada from their gambling industry. Another well-populated state could be added in the weeks ahead.
In June, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission discussed sending a cease-and-desist letter to the operator. Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Communications Director Kaitlyn Krasselt explained that “consumers are protected in the event of an issue,” if operators are meeting regulatory standards.
Offshore operators offer gamblers less protection
Fraud is a common concern for bettors who use offshore sportsbooks. Gamblers “[place] their money and personal information at risk by wagering on an unlicensed platform that is not subject to regulatory oversight,” Krasselt added.
Illegal betting platforms offer far less protection for problem gamblers and high rollers. Winnings are not always paid out. Therefore, offshore sportsbooks are more likely to take advantage of high-stakes bettors and gamblers who are suffering from compulsive gambling.
Bovada has not yet been banned by every U.S. territory. However, the operator’s days are numbered in the American gambling market. The company first launched on Dec. 11, 2014, by the Morris Mohawk Gaming Group.
During the recent National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) summer meeting, operators and regulators discussed tactics to address the offshore market in their states.
It could be more difficult for bettors to access offshore betting sites in the future.
