Aug 1, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
- Ohio users can no longer access or use Bovada
- Bovada now restricts access to 11 markets in the U.S.
- The unregulated, offshore gaming company has come under fire recently from state regulators
Another day, another state added to Bovada’s restricted list.
The unregulated, offshore online sports betting and casino operator recently added Ohio to its list of restricted states, its 11th total market in the U.S. so far.
A representative from the Ohio Casino Control Commission confirmed to Sports Betting Dime that a cease-and-desist notice was sent to Bovada in early August.
Bovada Under Fire in U.S.
It’s been a busy few months for Bovada, as more and more state regulators have begun to take action against the illegally operated gaming company.
Ohio is the 11th market added to the company’s restricted list and its third market in just the last month. Bovada added Washington, D.C., and Connecticut to its list at the end of July.
While Bovada never publicly comments on its decisions, a pattern has emerged in the last year.
State regulators will send the gaming company a cease-and-desist letter to stop offering action in their borders, the company won’t acknowledge receipt of the notice, and then add the state to their restricted list without warning.
As of this writing, Bovada restricts users from the following states:
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Maryland
- Delaware
- Michigan
- Colorado
- West Virginia
- Connecticut
- Washington, D.C.
- Ohio
Their are varying accounts, however, if the company truly does restrict access, as some state users have claimed they can still bet with Bovada despite their market being restricted.
More States Up Next?
Bovada has been on the radar of several other high profile sports betting markets, with regulators from both Massachusetts and Louisiana publicly saying they were considering taking action against the company.
Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Nakisha Skinner said during a June agenda setting meeting that the commission should work with the Attorney General’s Office to determine if a cease-and-desist letter should be sent.
The MGC agreed to host the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office at a future meeting to discuss any potential investigations the office has made into Bovada.
Additionally, newly appointed Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Christopher Hebert told Sports Betting Dime that he’ll be discussing the issue soon with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division and the director of gaming at the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.
“Illegal sports wagering is certainly something that the board sees as a problem, as there are no protections for our state citizens who choose to engage in this activity. I will be discussing this issue with the new head of LSP’s Gaming Enforcement Division and the new Director of Gaming at the Attorney General’s Office soon in order to make an informed decision regarding whether to send a cease-and-desist letter,” he said.
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 in the United States, has recently announced that it will be restricting access to its services for residents of Ohio. This decision brings the total number of restricted markets for Bovada to 11, as the company continues to navigate the complex landscape of online gambling regulations in the country.
The move to restrict access for Ohio residents comes as a result of the state’s strict laws and regulations surrounding online gambling. While some states have embraced online gambling and have established regulatory frameworks to allow for its operation, Ohio has taken a more conservative approach, making it difficult for online gambling platforms like Bovada to operate within its borders.
This decision by Bovada is not unique to Ohio, as the company has also restricted access for residents of other states with similarly strict regulations, such as Washington and Maryland. In total, Bovada now restricts access for residents of 11 states, including New York, New Jersey, and Nevada.
While this news may be disappointing for residents of Ohio who enjoy online gambling, it is important to remember that there are still plenty of other options available. There are a number of other online gambling platforms that cater to players from Ohio, offering a wide range of games and betting options.
Additionally, there is always the possibility that Ohio’s laws and regulations surrounding online gambling could change in the future, opening up the possibility for platforms like Bovada to once again offer their services to residents of the state. In the meantime, Ohio residents can continue to enjoy online gambling through other platforms and explore the many options available to them.
Overall, while the news of Bovada restricting access for Ohio residents may be disappointing, it is important to remember that there are still plenty of other options available for those looking to enjoy online gambling. As the landscape of online gambling regulations continues to evolve, it is likely that more states will open up to online gambling in the future, providing even more opportunities for players across the country.
