Bovada Faces Restrictions in West Virginia After Regulatory Notice

issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada’s parent company, Harp Media B.V., headquartered in Curaçao. Dated June 26, the letter pointed out Bovada’s non-compliance with state laws and gave the company a fortnight to rectify the situation or face legal consequences.

John Myers, the director of the Lottery, confirmed that West Virginia has been officially added to Bovada’s list of states where its gambling services are restricted. Although Bovada has taken steps to disable certain s and has notified affected s to customer , the company has yet to update its and Conditions to reflect this new restriction.

Regulatory Actions Across States

West Virginia s began in Michigan when the state’s Gaming Control Board issued a cease-and-desist letter in May 2024, marking the first regulatory action against the company this year. Similar measures were taken by Colorado in June.

However, not all states have seen immediate compliance from Bovada. As of mid-July, the company continues to operate in Connecticut despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice that cites violations of both state statutes and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is also evaluating potential actions against Bovada, which might include sending a similar regulatory notice.

Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions

According to Myers, the West Virginia Lottery is not only focusing on Bovada but is also investigating other operators that may be flouting state gaming regulations. These operators allegedly involve the three elements of illegal gambling: consideration, chance, and prize, without the necessary state licensing, thus posing a risk to both consumers and the integrity of the state’s regulated gaming environment.

As these regulatory efforts continue, the landscape of online gambling in the U.S. is becoming increasingly complex, with states taking proactive steps to curb illegal activities and promote a secure environment for consumers. West Virginia’s recent actions against Bovada signify a strong commitment to these objectives.

Source:

West Virginia Lottery Commission Restricts Bovada Services, West Virginia’s News, July 16, 2024.