Bovada Complies with Ohio’s Cease-and-Desist Order
In response to the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) demands, Bovada has listed Ohio as a restricted state on its FAQ section, alongside other major markets like Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, and Maryland.
Ohio Orders Bovada to Halt Operations
Bovada, one of the largest offshore sportsbooks and online casino platforms operating in the United States, has responded to a cease-and-desist order issued by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
The OCCC sent the order to Harp Media, the parent company of Bovada, on August 6, citing that its operations in Ohio were illegal under state law.
Bettors in these states are directed to withdraw their funds via cryptocurrency by contacting customer service.
Growing Legal Pressure on Bovada in the U.S.
The cease-and-desist letter from Ohio is part of a growing wave of regulatory action against Bovada in the U.S. In July, the Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a similar order to Harp Media, and there are reports that Connecticut followed suit shortly thereafter.
Ohio’s decision to act against Bovada comes as the state considers expanding into online casino gaming. While the Ohio state legislature has published a “Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio,” it remains unclear if there will be a move to expand online gaming offerings in the near future.
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