Connecticut and D.C. Now on Bovada’s Restricted List

The list of regions from which offshore gaming operator Bovada is withdrawing continues to grow. Recently, both Connecticut and Washington, D.C. were added to the list of restricted states as shown in the FAQ section of Bovada’s website.

Connecticut and D.C. Join Bovada’s Restricted List

Effective July 29, Bovada has expanded its geographical restrictions to include Connecticut and the district of Washington, D.C. This decision follows closely after Connecticut issued a cease-and-desist order to Bovada's parent company, Harp Media B.V., operating out of Curaçao. The official communication highlighted violations of the Connecticut General Statutes and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA).

Although no formal notice from D.C. regulators has been reported, the addition of D.C. to the restricted list coincides with significant changes in the local online sports betting scene. The district recently ended a period of FanDuel monopoly, welcoming other big players like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings, which have launched operations across D.C.

Regulatory Movements and Patterns

The actions against Bovada reflect a broader pattern of enforcement by U.S. states against offshore gaming operations that lack local licensing. This consistent approach often starts with a cease-and-desist notice, followed by Bovada restricting access from the implicated state shortly after, typically without formally acknowledging the legal notices.

Recent Developments and Enforcement Trends

West Virginia was another state that recently took a firm stance against Bovada’s operations. After issuing a cease-and-desist in June and setting a compliance deadline, West Virginia confirmed that Bovada had included it in its restricted list following the lapse of the set deadline.

Looking Ahead: More States May Follow

Discussion among regulators in other states suggests further actions may be imminent. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has publicly considered pursuing legal steps against Bovada, including sending a cease-and-desist letter https://www.realmoneyaction.com/massachusetts-mulls-actions-against-bovada-and-offshore-sportsbooks/ and potentially holding a formal assessment to decide on regulatory actions.

In Louisiana, discussions about addressing illegal sports wagering are on the agenda, with state officials expressing concerns over the lack of consumer protections in unlicensed gambling activities. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is gearing up to take potential regulatory measures to safeguard its residents.

Bovada’s Current Restricted Territories

To date, Bovada has restricted user access from the following states and districts, illustrating the growing regulatory pressure on unlicensed gaming operationsacross the U.S.:

• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• Maryland
• Delaware
• Michigan
• Colorado
• West Virginia
• Connecticut
• Washington, D.C.

With regulatory landscapes evolving and more states scrutinizing offshore gaming practices, the list of restricted areas for Bovada is likely to expand further, reinforcing the trend towards tighter control and enforcement within the U.S. gaming industry.

Sources:

Bovada no-go list grows as users in Connecticut, DC restricted, sbcamericas.com, July 29, 2024.