The Bay State is the latest to show the door to Bovada.
Late last week, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office announced that it sent an immediate cease-and-desist order to the popular offshore sportsbook and online casino operator, accusing it of offering iGaming, sports betting and wagering on horse racing without a license.
In the letter sent to Bovada officials last Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Louisa Gibbs said Bovada’s offerings violate the state’s consumer protection laws.
“Further, despite its unlicensed status, Bovada holds itself out to Massachusetts residents as a legitimate gambling operator,” Gibbs wrote. “For example, Bovada claims that it is ‘USA-based,’ the ‘face of the industry,’ ‘America’s No. 1 destination’ for sports betting and gambling, and purports to operate responsible gambling, self-exclusion, and anti-money laundering programs.”
Under the order, Massachusetts officials have requested that Bovada stop offering its online sports betting app in the commonwealth and provide refunds to all state residents in American dollars. Failing to comply would put the offshore book at risk of facing fines of up to $5,000 per day, plus the costs of any investigation and litigation.
As of Tuesday, Bovada did not have Massachusetts sports betting listed among its banned states or countries.
Bovada Not The Only Game Offshore
The push to ban Bovada has picked up in states this year. Massachusetts has followed such states as Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania in ordering its ouster. Even with that, its unlicensed online sportsbook and casino games remain accessible in the majority of U.S. states.
However, Bovada is just one of the plethora of online offshore operators, but it has been the lone target for most states. BetMassachusetts.com has learned that the state’s attorney general’s office has not issued any other cease-and-desist letters.
Critics say offshore gaming and other forms of illegal gambling remain prevalent across the U.S., including in the 38 states that have legalized sports betting in recent years. Operators acting outside of state laws and regulations do not pay taxes to the states nor abide by the regulations in those jurisdictions.
About Massachusetts Sports Betting
Massachusetts lawmakers legalized sports betting two years ago. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks opened at the state’s three casinos on Jan. 31, 2023, with apps going online about six weeks later.
Through August, more than $9.8 billion has been bet legally on sports in Massachusetts since sports betting was legalized, according to data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Operators have generated $858.7 million in revenue, with the state receiving $178.9 million in taxes. The state’s share is split among five accounts, with the General Fund receiving the largest share, followed by funds for cities and towns, workforce investment, public health and youth development and achievement.
The current Massachusetts sports betting licensees are Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings MA, ESPN BET, Fanatics and FanDuel.
