Bovada Blocked Out of Michigan

Bovada sportsbook is no longer taking bets in Michigan roughly three weeks after the state’s gambling commission sent the Costa Rica-based sportsbook a cease-and-desist order.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board had accused Bovada of violating at least three state laws.

The victory for the MGCB means that seven states have successfully banned the unregulated operator from their borders.

They are:

  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York

The process of adding an eighth is underway. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has issued a similar order. Bovada’s compliance is likely to encourage other US gambling commissions to follow suit, especially in the 38 jurisdictions with legal, taxed and regulated markets.

While most gambling industry observers viewed Michigan’s attempt as a noble public information effort with little chance of success, it provides more momentum for states attempting to temper the influence of an illegal gambling market that is anecdotally still believed to control 65% of the sports betting activity in the United States. Numerous states including Michigan have also targeted daily fantasy sites they considered unregulated sportsbooks.

Connecticut Could Continue Bovada Ban Binge

In a registered letter sent to an address in Willemstad, Curacao, the DCP said it “orders Bovada to cease and desist advertising and offering its games and services to Connecticut customers. … Bovada is hereby ordered to immediately cease and desist offering its games and services to Connecticut Customers. … Bovada must also continue to allow all Connecticut Customers to withdraw any funds currently held by Bovada.”

Blocked Bovada Users Must Settle For Crypto Withdrawal, At Best

They might want to do so quickly if they are advocates of legal tender. An update on the Bovada website informed customers in blocked states that they must contact customer service to withdraw funds in cryptocurrency only. The update appeared to have been done hastily as “Colorado” was misspelled.

About the Author
Brant James

Brant James

Lead Writer
Brant James is a lead writer who covers the sports betting industry and legislation at Gaming Today. An alum of the Tampa Bay Times, ESPN.com, espnW, SI.com, and USA Today, he's covered motorsports and the NHL as beats. He also once made a tail-hook landing on an aircraft carrier with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and rode to the top of Mt. Washington with Travis Pastrana. John Tortorella has yelled at him numerous times.

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