The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has intensified action against overseas operators in the state issuing three cease-and-desist orders against operators.
The letters seek to ensure that the operators halt their operations in the state, however their response has yet to be seen.
Cease-and-desist letters were sent to Milvus Ltc, d/b/a BetUS.com.pa, Harp Media B.V. d/b/a Bovada.lv, and Gaming Services Provider, N.V. d/b/a MyBookie.ag.
Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director, Ross Marshman, stated: “Gaming, both land-based and online, is strictly regulated in Florida. For example, when it comes to slot machine gaming, counting the eight legal, state-licensed slot machine businesses, and the six tribal gaming locations currently operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there are only fourteen legal slot machine businesses in Florida. The only online sportsbook operating lawfully in Florida is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock Bet. Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware.”
The illicit offering expands to both sportsbook and iGaming, with the sites in focus featuring roulette and table games as a key part of their offering.
For Bovada, it marks one of many cease-and-desist letters in the inbox of the operator, having previously responded to state cease-and-desist letters and exited almost 20 states.
Despite these states having success, nailing down offshore operators with cease-and-desist letters has proved a challenge in some states, speaking on a panel at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming (NCLGS) Winter Meeting, Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) Executive Director Jay McDaniel shared his frustrations.
He revealed that letters issued by the state to Bovada, MyBookie, BetUs, BetWhale and BetOnline had received no response.
Bill Miller, President of the American Gaming Association, has previously supported the strategy of states when it comes to tackling sweepstake operators, emphasising that they do “have the power to fight back”.
Miller specifically singled out the state of Michigan, after the state’s Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced it sent cease-and-desist letters to Stake.US, PredictionStrike, and VGW Luckyland in a bid to stop them from operating in the state.
That move underlined the approach of Michigan when it came to ensuring the state is a hostile environment for sweepstake casinos, with all three ceasing operations in the region.
“Gambling regulations are in place for a reason, and illegal gambling operations are not welcome in Michigan,” stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
“We do not want businesses who skirt the law having access to Michigan citizens and leaving them vulnerable because they are playing on unregulated sites that leave them with no recourse, and that siphon funds away from communities because they are not paying taxes like a regulated, legal gambling establishment would.”
