Ohio Steps Up Offshore Gambling Crackdown by Blocking Bovada

Bovada, a prominent offshore gambling operator, is facing mounting challenges in the United States as more states move to ban its services. This week, Ohio became the latest state to block access to Bovada, following a cease and desist order issued by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) earlier this month.

Ohio’s Stand Against Bovada

The OCCC's action is part of a broader movement among U.S. states to clamp down on offshore operators that operate outside local regulations. Ohio’s decision adds to a growing list of states that have restricted access to Bovada, reflecting a coordinated effort by regulators to protect their markets from unlicensed gambling activities.

Earlier this year, Michigan and Colorado were among the first states to take action against Bovada, issuing cease and desist orders that led the operator to withdraw from these markets. This trend has since continued, with states like Connecticut and Washington, D.C., implementing similar bans in July. Currently, Bovada is no longer available to players in the following states:

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

With Ohio’s recent decision, three of the ten largest states by population have now barred Bovada, and this number could increase as more states consider similar measures.

Massachusetts May Soon Join the Effort

Massachusetts could be the next major state to take action against Bovada. During the recent summer meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), both regulators and industry leaders discussed strategies to mitigate the impact of offshore gambling on state-regulated industries. Massachusetts regulators have indicated that they are considering similar steps, which could further increase the pressure on Bovada and other offshore operators.

The movement against offshore gambling isn’t limited to state-level initiatives. There is growing support for federal involvement, with industry groups advocating for a national approach to enforcement. The American Gaming Association (AGA) has been particularly vocal, urging federal lawmakers to address the issue on a broader scale.

The Push for Federal Action

The call for federal intervention gained momentum last year when Jonathan Nabavi, NFL VP of Public Policy and Government Affairs, wrote to Representative Dina Titus, emphasizing that “Congress and the federal government have a unique role to play in bringing enforcement actions against illegal operators.” This sentiment has been echoed by the AGA, which continues to push for comprehensive federal legislation to combat the rise of offshore gambling operators.

As more states take action against Bovada, the push for a coordinated federal response is expected to grow. With Bovada now blocked in several key markets and the possibility of more states following suit, the future of offshore gambling operators in the U.S. is becoming increasingly precarious.

Source:

"Ohio joins growing list of states Bovada cutting ties with", sbcamericas.com, August 21, 2024.