Mar 12, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers center Jesse Edwards (7) rebounds during the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
- Bovada recently listed West Virginia as a restricted state
- The West Virginia Lottery Commission sent the offshore operator a cease-and-desist letter in late June
- Bovada has pulled out of eight states
Just several weeks after receiving a cease-and-desist notice from the West Virginia Lottery Commission, Bovada has officially restricted West Virginia users from its online gaming services.
The illegal, offshore online sports betting and casino company now restricts users from eight states from its services. John A. Myers, director of the West Virginia Lottery, last week revealed the lottery is also investigating other potential violators in the state.
“Our laws are designed to protect our players, and we regulate with those individuals in mind. We are currently investigating other possible violators operating in similar manners,” he said.
Out in West Virginia
Myers today confirmed the news to Sports Betting Dime, but revealed Bovada still needs to take several steps to completely leave West Virginia.
“The West Virginia Lottery can confirm that Bovada has added West Virginia to its list of restricted states for gaming accounts. However, their terms and conditions do not appear to have been updated to list West Virginia as of this writing. We understand that some accounts have been disabled and that a notice to contact customer service is being sent to account holders,” he said.
The West Virginia Lottery sent a cease-and-desist notice to Harp Media B.V., parent company of Bovada, on Wednesday, June 26. Harp Media B.V. operates in Willemstad, Curaçao.
Sports Betting Dime received a copy of the cease-and-desist notice from the West Virginia Lottery following a Freedom of Information Act request. Myers wrote in the notice that the lottery would take further action against the company if it did not leave the state within 14 days of receiving the notice.
“The statutes and possible legal actions provided in this letter are by no means exhaustive; they are intended to put you on notice that Bovada is in violation of West Virginia law. Failure to comply with this cease-and-desist request within fourteen days of receipt of this letter may result in heightened criminal and monetary fine under W. Va. Code 29-22D-1, et seq., and the West Virginia Lottery will refer this matter to the West Virginia Attorney General to initiate legal action,” he wrote.
Any illegally operating wagering company is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, can be fined not more than $10,000 or serve in jail for no more than 90 days. A second violation carries a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to six months in jail and a third violation carries a fine ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 and/or potential jail time of not less than one year.
Still Live in Connecticut
Despite restricting users in West Virginia, Bovada is still operational in Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protections officially sent Bovada a cease-and-desist notice on June 14.
A spokesperson for the department told Sports Betting Dime last week that Bovada has yet to respond to the letter.
In the cease-and-desist letter written by Kristofer Gilman, Director of Gaming in Connecticut, Harp Media B.V. is notified that it is in violation of Connecticut General Statutes 53-278b, 53-278d, and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA).
Bovada does not possess an online gaming operator’s license in the state, nor do its actions fall within any of the excepted activities to the prohibition on gambling, Gilman wrote in the notice.
“Bovada’s promotion of unlicensed and illegal gambling services is also an unfair trade practice, which violates CUTPA,” Gilman wrote.
As of this writing, Bovada restricts users from the following states:
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Maryland
- Delaware
- Michigan
- Colorado
- West Virginia
Rob covers all regulatory developments in online gambling. He specializes in US sports betting news along with casino regulation news as one of the most trusted sources in the country.
Bovada, one of the leading online gambling platforms, has recently announced that it will be limiting access for users in West Virginia following a legal notice from the state’s attorney general. This move comes as a result of ongoing legal battles surrounding the legality of online gambling in the state.
The decision to restrict access for West Virginia users is a significant blow to many individuals who rely on Bovada for their online gambling needs. The platform has gained a strong following in the state due to its wide range of games and betting options, making it a popular choice among residents.
The legal notice from the attorney general cited concerns over the legality of online gambling in West Virginia, as well as potential risks associated with unregulated gambling sites. Bovada has stated that it is taking these concerns seriously and is working to ensure compliance with state laws.
While this news may be disappointing for West Virginia users, it is important to remember that online gambling laws vary by state and can change frequently. It is always advisable to stay informed about the legal status of online gambling in your area and to use reputable, regulated platforms when engaging in online betting.
In the meantime, Bovada has assured users that they are working to resolve the situation and hope to be able to restore access for West Virginia users in the near future. In the meantime, users in the state may need to explore alternative options for their online gambling needs.
Overall, this development serves as a reminder of the complex legal landscape surrounding online gambling and the importance of staying informed and compliant with state laws. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be important for users in West Virginia and beyond to stay updated on any changes that may impact their ability to access online gambling platforms like Bovada.
