Ohio Joins US States Blocking Bovada in Push Against Offshore Gambling

Ohio has become the latest state to intensify its efforts against offshore gambling, adding Bovada to the list of operators that are no longer permitted to offer services within its borders. This action follows a cease and desist order issued by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) earlier this month, marking another significant step in the broader movement to regulate unlicensed online gambling platforms across the United States.

The OCCC’s recent cease and desist order is part of a growing trend among U.S. states taking decisive actions to protect their regulated gambling markets. By blocking Bovada, Ohio joins nearly a dozen other states that have taken similar steps, highlighting a concerted effort to curb the influence of unlicensed offshore operators.

This development adds Ohio to a list of states that have already shut out Bovada, including Michigan and Colorado, which initiated the wave of cease and desist orders back in May. Following their lead, Connecticut and Washington, D.C., as well as West Virginia, also moved to block the platform in July. As of now, Bovada is no longer accessible to residents in:

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

With Ohio’s recent decision, three of the largest states by population have now restricted access to Bovada, reflecting an increasing trend of state regulators targeting offshore gambling platforms.

Massachusetts could be the next major state to act against Bovada, as discussions during the recent National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) summer meeting revealed that both regulators and operators are actively exploring strategies to combat unregulated gambling markets. Massachusetts regulators hinted that they may soon pursue similar actions, potentially adding another significant state to the growing list of those taking a hard stance against offshore operators.

As the crackdown on Bovada and similar platforms continues to gain momentum, calls for federal intervention are growing louder. Industry groups, including the American Gaming Association (AGA), have repeatedly urged federal lawmakers to step in and address the issue on a national level.

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The need for federal enforcement has been emphasized by various stakeholders. Last year, NFL VP of Public Policy and Government Affairs Jonathan Nabavi wrote a letter to Representative Dina Titus, stating, “Congress and the federal government have a unique role to play in bringing enforcement actions against illegal operators.” This appeal aligns with the AGA’s ongoing efforts to lobby for comprehensive federal legislation aimed at eradicating unregulated offshore gambling operators.

With Ohio now joining other states in blocking Bovada, and with more states potentially following suit, the pressure on federal lawmakers to take action is expected to intensify. As individual states continue to close the door on unlicensed operators, the future landscape of offshore gambling in the U.S. remains uncertain.

Source:

, sbcamericas.com, August 21, 2024.