Bovada Receives Cease and Desist Letter from Michigan Gaming Control Board – Bleacher Nation

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has sent a cease and desist letter to Bovada. The illegal gambling site is an overseas-based gambling company that is accessible to Michigan residents despite being unregulated and unlicensed.

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Michigan Gaming Control Board Issues Letter

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is taking the proper steps to remove Bovada and its unregulated online gambling platform from the state of Michigan. Right now, users in the state can access the online platform to illegally place sports betting wagers or play casino games.

Bovada has operated across the US in a gray area for years as the online sportsbook and casino platform can be accessed by people in the US. In reality, if it’s not a regulated online gaming platform, then it is illegal for residents of the United States to use it. The cease and desist letter in Michigan is a massive step to remove the platform’s access to residents.

Bovada Has 14 Days to Take Action

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is giving Bovada 14 days to take steps to start preventing Michigan residents from having access to their platform. If Bovada doesn’t take action within 14 days, the Michigan Gaming Control Board will pursue further legal action against Bovada.

Bovada Violates Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act

The state of Michigan claims Bovada violates several of Michigan’s gaming laws including the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, the Michigan Penal Code, and the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams had this to say.

The proliferation of online gaming platforms has led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, and this action serves as a stern warning to overseas companies that flouting local regulations will not be tolerated.

The MGCB remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding Michigan’s laws and regulations and will continue to actively monitor and enforce compliance within the state to ensure a fair and secure gaming environment for all.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams

The cease and desist letter was sent to Harp Media B.V. which is the company that operates Bovada.com and Bovada.lv.

What is Bovada?

Bovada is an online sportsbook, casino, and poker platform that is based overseas in Curacao but can be accessed by residents in the United States. The platform is not regulated or licensed in any part of the United States. This makes the platform illegal to use in the United States even though it can be accessed.

If you are looking to sports bet or play casino games, you should use legal and regulated sportsbooks. They have to follow strict regulations set forth by a state’s governing body to operate and have to adhere to strict security protocols and more.

What is the Michigan Gaming Control Board?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is in charge of all online gaming operations in the state of Michigan. It regulates online casinos, sportsbooks, and more. The board is in charge of licenses, regulations, online betting rules, and more. It was established in 1996 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. It serves under the Michigan Department of Treasury.

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