- Casino
- By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- By State
- Slots
- Poker
- Sports
- Esports
Fact-checked by Velimir Velichkov
Florida Regulators Demand Three Illegal Operators to Exit State
The Florida Gaming Control Commission has demanded three gambling operators to stop providing their illegal operations to state residents and visitors

In February 2024, roughly one year ago, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) issued cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks, Betr, and Underdog Fantasy, arguing that the three daily fantasy sports operators were “offering or accepting illegal bets or wagers from (Florida) residents.”
At the beginning of the week, the FGCC sent another strong message to overseas sportsbooks and casinos by demanding that three online platforms immediately cease their illegal operations targeting Florida residents and visitors.
BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie Received the Letters
Namely, the FGCC sent cease-and-desist letters to the parent companies of three prominent betting platforms: BetUS (Milvus Ltd.), Bovada (Harp Media B.V.), and MyBookie (Gaming Services Provider, N.V.), all of which operate outside the United States but are still accessible to Floridians.
According to the commission’s release, the websites run by these foreign gambling operators facilitate illegal wagering activities.
These activities include betting on sports, horse races, futures, point spreads, prop bets, totals, and moneylines.
Florida law considers such conduct a felony offense of the third degree, specifically under the § 849.14 in the Florida Statutes.
Floridians, Asked to Exercise Caution
The FGCC’s executive director, Ross Marshman, made several comments about the state’s strict regulatory gaming framework.
Marshman pointed out that the Sunshine State has limited legal gaming businesses.
“For example, counting the eight legal, state-licensed slot machine businesses and the six tribal gaming locations currently operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there are only 14 legal slot machine businesses in Florida,” Marshman stated.
He also clarified that the only lawful online sportsbook in the state is Hard Rock Bet, which the Seminole Tribe of Florida manages.
The executive director took the opportunity to warn Floridians to be cautious: “Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware.”
Florida to Receive at Least $2.5B from the Seminole Tribe
The FGCC also emphasized the fact that illegal gambling operators do not contribute to the state’s economy.
In contrast, legal gaming operations generate crucial tax revenue. For example, in 2024, the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of Florida received more than $240 million in tax revenue from the eight state-licensed slot machine businesses.
Over the next five years, Florida is expected to receive a minimum of $2.5 billion from the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Other states are also taking action against illegal gambling operations. Recently, the Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a cease-and-desist notice to MyBookie, while Bovada has pulled out of several states, including New Hampshire, following regulatory pressure. At the end of January, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and the FGCC emphasized the need to amend existing laws, asking for better rules when dealing with the widespread issue of illegal betting operations across Florida.
Related Topics:
After finishing her master's in publishing and writing, Melanie began her career as an online editor for a large gaming blog and has now transitioned over towards the iGaming industry. She helps to ensure that our news pieces are written to the highest standard possible under the guidance of senior management.
Next Article
Industry
February 4, 2025
Manitoba Ramps up Efforts Against Money Laundering via Casinos
Must Read
Industry
February 13, 2025
Trump Nominates Kalshi Board Member Brian Quintenz as CFTC Chair
Industry
February 14, 2025
Casino General Managers in Las Vegas Closer to Licensing Approval
Industry
February 13, 2025
Nine Operators Get Cease-and-Desist Orders in Michigan
More Articles
Sports
February 19, 2025
All You Need to Know About Power Slap 12 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Industry
February 19, 2025
Colombian Trade Body Raises Alarm over Increased Gambling Taxes
Business
February 19, 2025
Adventure Box Pens Letter of Intent to Acquire RWB Smart Solutions
Lottery
February 19, 2025
Jackpocket Player Wins $83.5M Lotto Texas Jackpot
Industry
February 19, 2025
ACMA: Network 10 Violated Gambling Advertising Regulations
Industry
February 19, 2025
KSA Warns TonyBet over Lack of Customer Service in Dutch
Industry
February 19, 2025
Hard Rock Casino Rockford Slot Attendants Join Teamsters
Industry
February 19, 2025
Maniscalco Expands Record-Breaking Tour with Atlantic City Shows
Casino
February 19, 2025
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Rolls Out Limited-Time Tier Match
Industry
February 19, 2025
Lawmakers Renew Effort to Scrap Sports Betting Excise Tax
Industry
February 19, 2025
Nevada Bill Aims to Stop Fake Ghost Kitchens on Food Delivery Apps
Casino
February 18, 2025
Sault Tribe Casinos Still Recovering from Hacker Attack
Business
February 18, 2025
Light & Wonder to Acquire Grover Charitable Gaming in a $850M Deal