Bovada Faces Bans in Connecticut and Washington D.C.

The US online gaming scene has seen a big change. Bovada, a well-known offshore betting site, cannot operate in Connecticut and Washington D.C. anymore. This ban is part of a larger push to crack down on unlicensed gambling websites in the US.

Connecticut and D.C. Block Bovada, Joining Broader State-Level Crackdown

Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) told Harp Media B.V., the company that owns Bovada, to stop its operations. The DCP said Bovada broke Connecticut’s laws and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA). 

Harp Media B.V. is based in Curaçao. Washington D.C., although not reported to have issued a similar order, has also blocked Bovada, aligning with its recent expansion of online sports betting operators including BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.

This clampdown is not just happening in Connecticut and Washington D.C. Bovada already cannot operate in eight other states: Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, Colorado and West Virginia. This series of bans has seen several states take the lead. Michigan and Colorado, for example, sent out cease and desist orders earlier this year. Michigan’s Gaming Control Board said Bovada broke the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and parts of the state’s criminal law.

Ongoing Access to Bovada in Banned States Raises Alarm Over Data Security

Despite legal obstacles, reports suggest some current users in banned states still access their Bovada accounts, though the site no longer allows new sign-ups from these areas. This continued access sparks worries about data safety and possible dangers to personal and financial details.

Regulators stress that licensed and regulated platforms are required to offer robust support for problem gambling, including tools for setting time and money limits, and options for self-exclusion. In contrast, unlicensed sites like Bovada lack these protections, posing greater risks for gambling addiction and financial security.

Kaitlyn Krasselt, who handles communications for the DCP, pointed out that bettors on licensed platforms have protection if issues arise, something unlicensed platforms cannot promise. She cautioned that bettors using unregulated sites put their money and personal information at considerable risk.

The crackdown on Bovada seems to continue. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is thinking about taking similar steps, and talks are happening about whether to send Bovada a cease-and-desist order. Also, Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board is looking at ways to act against the website. They have stressed how crucial it is to shield people in the state from gambling that is not regulated.

In a May statement, Bill Miller, who is president and CEO American Gaming Association (AGA), also stressed how crucial it is to shield residents from sketchy offshore betting websites. He called on other states to follow Michigan’s example in combating illegal online gaming.