West Virginia Restricts Bovada Services Following Legal Action

Three weeks after issuing a cease-and-desist letter, the West Virginia Lottery Commission has successfully prompted Bovada to restrict access to its sportsbook and casino services for users in West Virginia. The letter was sent to Harp Media B.V., Bovada’s parent company based in Curaçao, on June 26, highlighting Bovada’s violation of West Virginia law and providing a 14-day compliance period before legal action would be pursued.

John Myers, the lottery’s director, confirmed that Bovada has now added West Virginia to its list of restricted states for gaming accounts. However, as of the latest update, Bovada’s Terms and Conditions have not been revised to reflect this restriction. Some user accounts have already been disabled, and affected users are receiving notices to contact customer service.

This move is part of a broader crackdown on offshore and unregulated operators by various U.S. regulators. Bovada now restricts access in eight states: Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, Colorado, and West Virginia.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board was the first to take action against Bovada in 2024, issuing a cease-and-desist letter in May. Despite missing the initial 14-day compliance deadline, Bovada eventually restricted new sign-ups in Michigan. Similar actions were taken in Colorado following a cease-and-desist letter issued in June.

In June, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s gaming division sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada for violating state laws, including the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. However, as of July 16, Bovada remains operational in Connecticut, more than a month after the notice was issued.

Other states may soon follow suit. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is considering a ban on Bovada and recently discussed sending a cease-and-desist letter, alongside contemplating a formal assessment to determine appropriate regulatory actions.

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West Virginia’s efforts to curb unregulated gaming operations may not stop with Bovada. In a statement, Myers indicated that the West Virginia Lottery is investigating other potential violators operating without proper licensing. Myers emphasized that the state’s gaming laws aim to protect players by regulating operations that include consideration, chance, and prize elements, and any unlicensed operator poses risks to both players and licensees.

As enforcement actions continue, the West Virginia Lottery Commission remains committed to ensuring a regulated and safe gaming environment for its residents.

Source:

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