Offshore illegal online gambling sites are still encountering consequences in the United States. 

Bovada, an online casino site that enables illegal gambling in the U.S. from its base in the Caribbean island of Curacao, is being instructed by state gaming authorities to stop its activities. On Tuesday, Arizona was the 17th U.S. jurisdiction to issue a cease and desist order to Harp Media B.V., the parent company of Bovada. 

In a press statement, the Arizona Department of Gaming stated that Bovada is accused of being a felony criminal organization operating an unlawful gambling operation in breach of state regulations. The gaming authority claims that Bovada is endorsing illegal gambling, operates an unlawful business, and is involved in money laundering activities. Each of the three offenses is classified as a felony.

"We are actively monitoring the evolving landscape of online gaming and taking proactive steps like this helps us protect Arizona’s communities and economy from illegal activities,” said ADG Director Jackie Johnson. “Our enforcement team is committed to preventing unauthorized operations from establishing a foothold here. Arizona will not be a safe haven for unlicensed or unlawful gaming, nor will we allow unlawful entities to compromise the integrity of gaming within our state.”

The ADG’s cease and desist order requires that Bovada promptly halt all online gambling operations and activities in Arizona. Bovada complied, as its site now lists Arizona as a restricted market. 

Concerns Surrounding Offshore Gaming 

The legitimate, regulated gaming sector constantly emphasizes that it faces risks from illegal operators. Numerous offshore gaming sites, such as Bovada—previously referred to as Bodog—focus on attracting players from states where online casino gaming is prohibited. 

After years of operating unlawful slot and table games online, where players encountered minimal risk of prosecution for taking part, state gaming authorities are targeting these illegal enterprises. Although Bovada is currently prohibited in 16 states and Washington, D.C., a new challenge has arisen with the advent of sweepstakes casinos. 

Sweeps assert they operate social gaming or free-to-play virtual currency games. However, that's not correct, since the apps enable users to buy a secondary digital currency which can be utilized to play the interactive games and exchanged for cash. 

Wagering on computer or mobile slots and table games is only allowed via authorized online operators in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. 

Gaming regulators persist in cautioning the public that engaging with an offshore casino site or sweeps casino is devoid of essential consumer protections such as fair gameplay and the option to withdraw funds. Gaming boards in each state usually provide a list of authorized, regulated websites. Arizona indeed has those platforms available here. 

Prohibited Regions 

In addition to Arizona, Bovada has stopped its operations in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. 

Firms such as Bovada are viewed negatively by the legal sector, since operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and other top iGaming and mobile sports betting applications and platforms have invested millions in licensing fees and taxes for their online rights. Bovada, on the other hand, incurs no licensing charges or taxes in the United States.