Ohio Regulators Call Out Bovada For Unlicensed Gaming, Allowing Underage Gambling

Aug 18, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively (39) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsThe Ohio Casino Control Commission sent Bovada a cease-and-desist notice on Aug. 6Bovada has since restricted access in the stateThe notice demanded a cessation of service by Aug. 16, 2024

In Ohio’s strongly worded cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, gaming regulators demanded a cessation of activity in the state by Aug. 16 or the Ohio Casino Control Commission would pursue “all legal remedies and actions” against the illegally operated offshore gaming company.

Matthew T. Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, wrote in the official notice that Bovada was serving as an unlicensed online casino, poker room, and sportsbook in the state, while also allowing those who were 18-years-old to gamble.

Bovada added Ohio to its list of restricted markets in the U.S. after receiving the notice.

Clearly in Contravention of Ohio Law

A representative for the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) provided Sports Betting Dime with the cease-and-desist notice. Written by Schuler, the notice was delivered to Bovada on Aug. 6.

“The Commission will continue to ensure that entities seeking to offer casino gaming, skill games, fantasy contests or sports gaming in Ohio do so in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. We will use the civil and criminal tools at our disposal whenever it discovers gaming products being offered illegally in the state,” an OCCC spokesperson told Sports Betting Dime.

In the cease-and-desist notice, Schuler noted that gambling is illegal in the state unless expressly permitted by law, with only four state casinos and licensed sportsbooks legally allowed to offer gaming in Ohio.

“Operating an unlicensed casino or sportsbook within Ohio also violates Ohio’s Criminal Code. Both bookmaking, which Bovada’s sportsbook engages in, and operating either a game of chance conducted for profit or scheme of chance, which Bovada’s casino engages in, are strictly prohibited,” Schuler wrote.

He also pointed to “another troubling aspect of Bovada’s online gaming product,” which is the allowance of individuals who are 18 years of age to gamble on the platform.

According to the letter, Bovada says that all users must be the minimum age to gamble required by the jurisdiction they live in, but on multiple occasions in the sign-up process it states that users can be 18 to play.

“Because Bovada is offering unlicensed and illegal online gaming products within Ohio, the Commission demands that Bovada cease and desist from offering, participating in the offering, or facilitating those who offer these products in the State of Ohio. Bovada shall notify the Commission in writing no later than August 16, 2024, that it has complied with this cease-and-desist notice,” Schuler wrote.

Latest State to be Restricted

As of this writing, Bovada restricts users from the following states:

NevadaNew JerseyNew YorkMarylandDelawareMichiganColoradoWest VirginiaConnecticutWashington, D.C.Ohio

Their are varying accounts, however, if the company truly does restrict access, as some state users have claimed they can still bet with Bovada despite their market being restricted.

Massachusetts and Louisiana regulators have also said they will look into potentially sending notices to Bovada in the near future.