Gambling jurisdictions maintain their insistence for offshore casino platforms to halt their activities.
In recent times, Bovada, an offshore casino and sports betting platform, has found itself under the spotlight of multiple U.S. state gaming regulators. The company, registered with the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority, is accused of illegally targeting players in the United States, violating federal and state gaming laws.
The American Gaming Association, a leading trade group representing commercial and tribal gaming interests, has called for the Department of Justice to take stronger action against illegal offshore gaming. This call comes as state gaming agencies across the U.S. have been issuing repeated cease-and-desist letters to Bovada and other offshore operators, urging them to stop accepting bets from residents.
Bovada's headquarters is located in Curacao, but its operations have not gone unnoticed in the U.S. In Tennessee, the platform was targeted with a cease-and-desist letter and fined $50,000 in October 2024 for operating illegally. Following this, Bovada exited the Tennessee market in November 2024. In Massachusetts, Bovada received a cease-and-desist letter in October 2024 for offering sports betting and gambling without a state license. Michigan's Gaming Control Board demanded Bovada leave the state as early as May 2024.
Despite these enforcement efforts, Bovada has adhered to all cease-and-desist letters, except for the one from Louisiana's gaming board (LGCB). The LGCB wrote the iGaming company a letter on August 6, 2025, joining the list of states taking action against Bovada.
The platform, however, has not been deterred. It continues to operate, often adapting markets served and terms to evade enforcement. Cryptocurrency is the preferred currency on Bovada, as the platform offers larger sign-up bonuses and promotional incentives when using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other decentralized digital currencies.
The situation remains dynamic, with states increasing pressure and seeking federal coordination for effective shut down of illegal offshore sportsbooks in the United States. The Department of Justice maintains that it takes seriously the issue of illegal online gambling and continues to successfully investigate and prosecute illegal internet gambling.
This article was posted on August 26, 2024, at 02:15h, and was last updated on June 23, 2025, at 08:06h.
[1] Bovada's website states that customers with accounts in states where the website suspends its operations should contact customer support to arrange a cryptocurrency withdrawal. [2] Tennessee fine and Bovada exit from the state [3] Massachusetts cease-and-desist letter to Bovada [4] Coalition of state attorneys general urge DOJ to take stronger action against offshore gaming sites [5] Michigan Gaming Control Board demands Bovada leave the state
- The American Gaming Association has demanded the Department of Justice to take stronger action against illegal offshore gaming sites like Bovada.
- In October 2024, Bovada was fined $50,000 and asked to cease operations in Tennessee for violating state gaming laws.
- Bovada received a cease-and-desist letter in October 2024 from Massachusetts for offering sports betting and gambling without a state license.
- A coalition of state attorneys general have urged the Department of Justice to take stronger action against illegal offshore gaming, including sites like Bovada.
- Michigan's Gaming Control Board demanded Bovada leave the state as early as May 2024.
- Despite facing multiple cease-and-desist letters and enforcement efforts, Bovada continues to operate, often adapting markets served and terms to evade enforcement.
