Connecticut to be the latest state to issue cease-and-desist letter to Bovada
The Harp Media-owned offshore sportsbook will receive a cease-and-desist warning from the Nutmeg State within the week
Connecticut is the latest US state prepared to issue a cease-and-desist letter to offshore sportsbook Bovada.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s gaming division will send the warning later this week, as Bovada is alleged to be offering sportsbook and online casino games without a license in the state.
A representative from Connecticut’s relevant gaming division told EGR North America: “There are only three licensed gaming operators in the state of Connecticut.
“The DCP Gaming Division sends cease-and-desist letters anytime they become aware of a company operating illegally in our state. The Division does plan to send a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada.”
The news comes less than three weeks after Michigan Gaming Control (MGCB) Board informed Bovada’s parent company, Curaçao-based Harp Media B.V to cease operations in the state on May 29.
The MGCB made clear that Harp Media had 14 days from the receipt of the letter to ensure Michigan residents were unable to gamble on their websites or risk facing legal action.
The sites in question are both Bovada.com and Bovada.lv.
American Gaming Association (AGA) president Bill Miller praised the decision of the MGCB to publicly declare that the unlicensed Bovada operation would not be tolerated.
He explained: “The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s decisive action highlights that states have the power to protect their residents from predatory, offshore gambling sites and is another important step in winning the battle against the illegal market.
“The AGA applauds the MGCB’s leadership against bad actors like Bovada and urges other states to follow Michigan’s lead.”
In Michigan’s instance, both the state’s Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code detail that firms behind unlicensed operations could face either of, or both, imprisonment of up to 10 years and $100,000 fine.
All of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Nevada have passed legislation in recent years to ensure Bovada cannot operate in their respective sports betting markets.