Ohio Enforces Ban on Bovada in Wider US Gambling Clampdown

Bovada, a well-known offshore gambling platform, is under increasing pressure in the United States as more states move to restrict its services. This week, Ohio became the latest state to block access to Bovada following a cease and desist order from the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) earlier this month.

Ohio Takes Action Against Bovada

The OCCC's recent action against Bovada is part of a broader trend of U.S. states taking measures against offshore operators that bypass local regulations. Ohio's decision to block Bovada adds it to a growing list of nearly a dozen states that have shut their doors to the platform, underscoring the efforts of state regulators to protect their markets from unregulated operators.

Earlier in the year, Michigan and Colorado were among the first states to issue cease and desist orders to Bovada. In response, the operator ceased its services in those states, setting a precedent that was followed by other states like Connecticut and Washington, D.C., which took similar actions in July. As of now, Bovada is no longer accessible to residents in the following states:

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

With Ohio's recent move, three of the ten most populous states in the U.S. have now pushed Bovada out of their markets. This trend may continue as other states consider taking similar actions to safeguard their regulated gambling industries.

Massachusetts Could Be Next

Massachusetts might 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), regulators and operators discussed strategies to combat the influence of offshore markets on state-regulated gambling industries. Massachusetts regulators have hinted that they may pursue similar measures in the near future, adding to the mounting pressure on Bovada and other offshore operators.

The growing crackdown on offshore gambling sites isn’t confined to state-level actions. There is also increasing demand for federal intervention, with industry stakeholders urging the U.S. government to take a more active role in addressing the issue. The American Gaming Association (AGA) has been a strong advocate for national enforcement against illegal operators, consistently calling on lawmakers to take action.

The Call for Federal Enforcement

The push for federal involvement gained traction last year when NFL VP of Public Policy and Government Affairs Jonathan Nabavi wrote a letter to Representative Dina Titus. In the letter, Nabavi stressed that “Congress and the federal government have a unique role to play in bringing enforcement actions against illegal operators.” This call to action has been echoed by the AGA, which has repeatedly urged for comprehensive national legislation to address the threats posed by offshore gambling operators.

As individual states continue to implement measures against Bovada, the demand for a unified federal response is likely to grow. With Bovada now blocked in several key markets and more states potentially following suit, the future of offshore operators in the U.S. remains increasingly uncertain.

Source:

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