Ongoing Actions Against Offshore Gambling: Arizona Issues Cease and Desist Order
In a sweeping move against illegal online gambling, Bovada, an offshore casino platform, has been effectively banned or blocked from operating in all U.S. states. This decision comes as a result of Bovada's unlicensed status, which violates state laws that regulate online gambling[1][4].
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has received calls from all 50 state attorneys general to crack down on such illegal offshore casinos[1][4]. Bovada, based in the Caribbean island of Curaçao, has found itself in a precarious position, as it is accessible in many states but lacks the necessary state licenses and regulation[4].
States with regulated online sports betting and casino markets have taken active measures to restrict or block access to offshore sites like Bovada. For instance, California, where online sports betting remains banned under Proposition 26, poses a significant challenge for Bovada[3]. Users attempting to access Bovada from banned states face automatic geolocation blocks, preventing them from using the platform[2].
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has taken a firm stance against Bovada. The ADG has instructed Bovada to immediately cease all online gambling operations and activities in Arizona[6]. Bovada has complied with the ADG's order, as its website now includes Arizona as a restricted market[7].
The ADG is committed to preventing unauthorized operations from establishing a foothold in Arizona and protecting the state's communities and economy from illegal activities[7]. Companies like Bovada, which pay no licensing fees or taxes in the U.S., are the scorn of the legal industry. Operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and other leading iGaming and mobile sports wagering apps and websites have paid millions of dollars in licensing fees and taxes for their internet privileges[8].
The legal, regulated gaming industry continues to be threatened by illegal operators like Bovada. Sweepstakes casinos have also emerged as another threat, claiming to run social gaming or free-to-play games, but allowing the purchase of a secondary digital currency for play and redemption[5]. Arizona has sent a cease and desist demand to Harp Media B.V., the parent firm of Bovada[6].
This article was posted on December 3, 2024, at 03:10h and was last updated on June 23, 2025, at 08:06h[8]. Bovada is accused of promoting unlawful gambling, being in control of an illegal enterprise, and engaging in money laundering, all of which are felonies[1][5]. The U.S. government continues to clamp down on such illegal activities to protect consumers and ensure a fair and safe gaming environment.
References: 1. The Hill 2. The Washington Post 3. California Online Poker Association 4. The New York Times 5. The Wall Street Journal 6. Arizona Department of Gaming 7. Arizona Department of Gaming 8. Arizona Department of Gaming
- Arizona has joined efforts to crack down on illegal online gambling, specifically targeting Bovada, an offshore casino platform, which has been banned or blocked from operating in all U.S. states.
- Bovada, despite being accessible in many states, lacks the necessary state licenses and regulation, leading to its unlicensed status that violates state laws.
- California, with online sports betting banned under Proposition 26, presents a significant challenge for Bovada, as users face automatic geolocation blocks when attempting access.
- Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) instructed Bovada to cease all online gambling operations and activities in Arizona, and Bovada complied by adding Arizona to its list of restricted markets.
- The ADG is opposed to unauthorized operations establishing a foothold in Arizona and aims to protect the state's communities and economy from illegal activities.
- Unfortunately, illegal operators like Bovada, which pay no licensing fees or taxes in the U.S., can pose a threat to the legal, regulated gaming industry, as seen by the emergence of sweepstakes casinos.
