- Bovada has added Massachusetts to its list of restricted states
- The restriction comes 19 days after the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office served Bovada with a cease-and-desist notice
- Massachusetts is the 14th state to be placed on the restricted list
Bovada, the illegally operated offshore gaming company, has added yet another U.S. market to its restricted list.
It was Massachusetts‘ turn for the Bovada treatment, as the gaming company added the Commonwealth to its list of restricted states in the U.S. Massachusetts is the 14th state to be added, which also includes Washington, D.C.
The course of action came 19 days after the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office issued a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V. and Hove Media, collectively known as Bovada.
Bovada Adds Massachusetts to List
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office did not respond to a request for comment from Sports Betting Dime. If the pattern holds, Bovada likely never acknowledged the receipt of the cease-and-desist notice nor gave Massachusetts regulators a warning that it would add the commonwealth to its restricted list.
According to the letter sent by attorney general’s office, Bovada was violating state gaming and sports betting laws by portraying itself to Massachusetts residents as a “USA-based” gambling operator, inducing commonwealth consumers to participate in illegal and unregulated forms of gambling.
“Since 2011, Bovada has presented itself as a legitimate American gambling operator, but without any proper Massachusetts license. Unlicensed operators pose a substantial danger to consumers because they do not go through the same rigorous review as licensed operators, have limited or no protections against gambling addiction and underage play, and do not provide consumers with reliable access to their funds since most unlicensed operators are offshore,” the Attorney General’s Office noted in a press release.
Bovada’s presence in the state had also been on the radar of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for several months. Commissioner Nakisha Skinner actually requested the MGC discuss sending Bovada a cease-and-desist letter earlier this year.
“Are there any steps we may want to take as a commission? Just with the understanding that our hands are somewhat tied, but I think it’s worth the discussion of maybe sending a cease-and-desist letter of our own. I know there are some jurisdictions that are holding their vendors accountable, making an inquiry as to whether they’re doing business with these illegal markets,” she said.
Fifteen Total Markets Blocked in U.S.
Massachusetts is the 14th state added to the restricted list. Last month, Bovada restricted access in Kansas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. All three states had sent the illegally operated offshore gaming company a cease-and-desist notice, Bovada never acknowledged receipt of the notice, and then added the states to its list of restricted markets without any notice.
The offshore operator currently restricts access in 14 states and Washington, D.C. The restricted U.S. markets are as follows:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
No other states have currently issued Bovada a cease-and-desist notice.
Bovada, one of the leading online gambling platforms in the United States, recently announced that Massachusetts has been added to its list of restricted states. This decision comes as a blow to many residents of the Bay State who enjoy playing casino games and betting on sports through the popular website.
The move to restrict access to Bovada in Massachusetts is likely due to the state’s strict gambling laws and regulations. In recent years, Massachusetts has taken a hard stance against online gambling, with lawmakers passing legislation to crack down on illegal gambling activities.
While Bovada’s decision may be disappointing for Massachusetts residents, it is important to remember that there are still plenty of legal and regulated gambling options available in the state. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversees all legal gambling activities in the state, including casinos, horse racing, and the state lottery.
For those who are looking for alternative online gambling options, there are a number of reputable websites that cater to Massachusetts residents. These sites are licensed and regulated by the state, ensuring a safe and secure gaming experience for players.
In the meantime, Massachusetts residents who have accounts with Bovada will need to find other ways to satisfy their gambling cravings. Whether it’s visiting a local casino or participating in a legal sports betting event, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the thrill of gambling in the Bay State.
Overall, while Bovada’s decision to restrict access to Massachusetts may be disappointing for some, it is important to remember that there are still plenty of legal and regulated gambling options available in the state. By following the laws and regulations set forth by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, residents can continue to enjoy their favorite casino games and sports betting activities in a safe and responsible manner.
