Connecticut to Ban Bovada, Following Michigan’s Example

Connecticut is reportedly set to take a “hardline stance” against Bovada, one of America’s biggest unlicensed operators, the Sports Betting Dime reported. The news outlet announced that it contacted a member of a local regulator who confirmed that a cease-and-desist letter is in the making.

The Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division spokesperson said that the state is planning to send Bovada a cease-and-desist letter within the next week, following Michigan’s example.

For context, Michigan cracked down on Bovada in May, ordering it to stop offering its products to local players. The move came after the Michigan Gaming Control Board learned that Bovada.com and Bovada.lv were both available to Michigan residents without proper licensing.

Back then, the board’s executive director, Henry Williams, warned illegal operators that they should stop undermining the legal market, lest they face consequences. Williams also said the action against Bovada was a significant step because regulators around the world have become increasingly concerned with unlicensed online gaming platforms.

As of the time of this writing, Bovada has yet to respond to the MGCB’s letter.

Connecticut Takes Action, Other States Take Wait-and-See Approach

Unlike other regulated gambling markets, the US has never been too strict when it comes to unlicensed gambling operators. However, this may be about to change, considering the ongoing efforts to limit the black market’s influence.

According to the Sports Betting Dime, the Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division confirmed that it will intervene whenever necessary.

The Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division does send out cease and desist letters anytime we receive a consumer complaint or become aware of an illegal gaming operator.

Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division statement

The news outlet added that the notice will likely be sent to Harp Media, the company behind the Curaçao-based operator.

In the meantime, the Sports Betting Dime reached out to regulatory bodies across the US. Most of them said that they would take a “wait-and-see” approach to the matter before deciding whether to crack down on Bovada and other major unlicensed operators.