Massachusetts Attorney General Shuts Down Offshore Gambling Operator Bovada

Bovada. The company has been operating an online casino and sports betting platform in the state without proper licensing, in direct violation of Massachusetts’ gambling laws.

According to the AGO, Bovada has been offering these services without a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, a clear breach of both state gaming and sports betting regulations. Additionally, the Attorney General’s letter asserts that Bovada has misled Massachusetts residents by falsely presenting itself as a “USA-based” gambling operator, which constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws under Chapter 93A. The AGO demands that Bovada cease its operations in the state immediately and refund all Massachusetts customers in U.S. dollars.

Bovada has reportedly been operating in the U.S. market since 2011, but the company lacks a valid Massachusetts gaming license. As an offshore entity based in Curaçao, Bovada does not adhere to the strict regulatory oversight that licensed operators in the state must follow. The absence of a license means Bovada customers lack important safeguards such as protections against gambling addiction, underage gambling, and reliable access to their winnings, all of which are required of licensed operators.

Efforts to Address Gambling Harms

This action represents another move by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell to mitigate the risks associated with illegal gambling operations. In March 2024, AG Campbell initiated the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition, a collaboration between public and private organizations focused on raising awareness about the risks of youth sports betting.

The cease-and-desist letter to Bovada was handled by Chief Jared Rinehimer from the AGO’s Data Privacy and Security Division, with assistance from Assistant Attorneys General Louisa Gibbs and Alda Chan, who are part of the Gaming Enforcement and Consumer Protection Divisions, respectively. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission partially funds the work of the Gaming Enforcement Division.

Bovada Faces Widespread Crackdown

Massachusetts s a growing list of states pushing Bovada out of their markets. Recently, other U.S. states following regulatory pressure.

Despite the widespread enforcement actions, Harp Media, the parent company of Bovada, has largely remained silent, choosing to quietly restrict access in certain states rather than respond to regulatory authorities.

Massachusetts Expands Regulated Gambling Options

While cracking down on illegal operators like Bovada, Massachusetts continues to expand its legitimate online gambling market. This summer, Bally Bet ed the state’s regulated online sports betting pool, and Massachusetts is set to introduce new legal gambling products. Governor Maura Healey recently signed a 2025 budget that includes provisions for legalizing online lottery sales and e-instant games, with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission preparing to find an operator for the new online system.

Source:

Attorney General’s Office Issues Cease and Desist Letter to Online Gambling Operator for Illegal Offshore Casino Operation, mass.gov, October 4, 2024.