Sep 30, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back CJ Donaldson Jr. (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
- The Director of the West Virginia Lottery Commission released a statement today on the cease-and-desist notice sent to Bovada
- Believes Bovada is in clear violation of state laws
- Lottery is also investigating other possible violators operating in West Virginia
Bovada may not be the only illegally operating sport betting company to hear from the West Virginia Lottery soon enough.
John A. Myers, director of the West Virginia Lottery, released an official statement today on the Bovada cease-and-desist letter and noted the lottery may potentially take action against other illegally operating companies 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.
Future Action May Include Attorney General
Myers officially confirmed the West Virginia Lottery sent Bovada a cease-and-desist letter on June 27. The lottery believes the illegally operating offshore company violates state law by offering the three elements of a wager, which is consideration, chance, and prize.
“Any company that operates in this manner without being a licensed operator in the state poses risk to players and licensees,” Myers said.
Earlier this week, Myers told Sports Betting Dime that there has been no change in operation by Bovada in the state.
However, in the official statement released today, Myers revealed the West Virginia Lottery is investigating other possible violators operating in a similar manner in the state. No other information on what operators are being investigate was released.
“Any future actions, which could include involvement from the West Virginia Attorney General, will be determined by Bovada’s response,” he said.
Bovada Still Operational in West Virginia
Bovada is still operational in West Virginia, as well as Connecticut, despite the notices. The operator recently pulled out of both Michigan and Colorado after gaming regulators sent them notices in late May and early June.
As of July 12, Bovada has banned users from Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan and Colorado.
As noted on Bovada’s website, customers living in restricted states can only withdraw remaining funds in their accounts as cryptocurrency.
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.
The West Virginia Lottery has recently launched an investigation into illegal sports betting operators in the state. This comes after reports of unauthorized sports betting activities taking place outside of the licensed and regulated establishments.
Illegal sports betting operators pose a threat to the integrity of the industry and can potentially harm consumers who may not be aware that they are participating in illegal activities. The West Virginia Lottery is taking this matter seriously and is working diligently to identify and shut down these illegal operations.
The investigation is still ongoing, but the West Virginia Lottery has already taken steps to address the issue. They have increased monitoring of licensed sports betting establishments and are working with law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal operators.
It is important for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with illegal sports betting. By participating in illegal activities, individuals are not only breaking the law but also putting themselves at risk of fraud and other criminal activities.
The West Virginia Lottery is urging anyone with information about illegal sports betting operators to come forward and report it. By working together, we can help protect the integrity of the sports betting industry in West Virginia and ensure a safe and fair environment for all participants.
In conclusion, the investigation underway by the West Virginia Lottery into illegal sports betting operators is a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of the industry. It is important for consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat illegal operators. Together, we can work towards a safer and more secure sports betting environment in West Virginia.
