Aug 18, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively (39) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission sent Bovada a cease-and-desist notice on Aug. 6
- Bovada has since restricted access in the state
- The notice demanded a cessation of service by Aug. 16, 2024
In Ohio’s strongly worded cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, gaming regulators demanded a cessation of activity in the state by Aug. 16 or the Ohio Casino Control Commission would pursue “all legal remedies and actions” against the illegally operated offshore gaming company.
Matthew T. Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, wrote in the official notice that Bovada was serving as an unlicensed online casino, poker room, and sportsbook in the state, while also allowing those who were 18-years-old to gamble.
Bovada added Ohio to its list of restricted markets in the U.S. after receiving the notice.
Clearly in Contravention of Ohio Law
A representative for the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) provided Sports Betting Dime with the cease-and-desist notice. Written by Schuler, the notice was delivered to Bovada on Aug. 6.
“The Commission will continue to ensure that entities seeking to offer casino gaming, skill games, fantasy contests or sports gaming in Ohio do so in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. We will use the civil and criminal tools at our disposal whenever it discovers gaming products being offered illegally in the state,” an OCCC spokesperson told Sports Betting Dime.
In the cease-and-desist notice, Schuler noted that gambling is illegal in the state unless expressly permitted by law, with only four state casinos and licensed sportsbooks legally allowed to offer gaming in Ohio.
“Operating an unlicensed casino or sportsbook within Ohio also violates Ohio’s Criminal Code. Both bookmaking, which Bovada’s sportsbook engages in, and operating either a game of chance conducted for profit or scheme of chance, which Bovada’s casino engages in, are strictly prohibited,” Schuler wrote.
He also pointed to “another troubling aspect of Bovada’s online gaming product,” which is the allowance of individuals who are 18 years of age to gamble on the platform.
According to the letter, Bovada says that all users must be the minimum age to gamble required by the jurisdiction they live in, but on multiple occasions in the sign-up process it states that users can be 18 to play.
“Because Bovada is offering unlicensed and illegal online gaming products within Ohio, the Commission demands that Bovada cease and desist from offering, participating in the offering, or facilitating those who offer these products in the State of Ohio. Bovada shall notify the Commission in writing no later than August 16, 2024, that it has complied with this cease-and-desist notice,” Schuler wrote.
Latest State to be Restricted
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.
Massachusetts and Louisiana regulators have also said they will look into potentially sending notices to Bovada in the near future.
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.
Ohio regulators have issued a warning to online gambling site Bovada for operating without a license in the state. The Ohio Casino Control Commission sent a cease and desist letter to Bovada, informing them that they are not authorized to offer their services to residents of Ohio.
Bovada, which is based in Costa Rica, has been offering online gambling services to players in the United States for years. However, they have never obtained a license to operate in Ohio, which is required by law for any company offering gambling services in the state.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission takes the issue of unlicensed gambling very seriously, as it can lead to a number of problems for consumers. Without proper regulation, there is no guarantee that players will be treated fairly or that their winnings will be paid out in a timely manner.
In addition to the warning issued to Bovada, the Ohio Casino Control Commission is also working with other state and federal agencies to crack down on illegal online gambling operations. They are urging residents of Ohio to only gamble with licensed and regulated operators to ensure their safety and security.
For those who have been using Bovada’s services in Ohio, the Commission recommends ceasing all gambling activities with the site immediately. They also advise players to report any suspicious or illegal gambling activities to the appropriate authorities.
Overall, the warning issued to Bovada by Ohio regulators serves as a reminder of the importance of licensing and regulation in the gambling industry. By only engaging with licensed operators, players can protect themselves from potential scams and ensure a fair and secure gaming experience.
