Connecticut sends Bovada angry letter, Massachusetts to Follow?

Bovada is a popular offshore gambling site that caters to players in the United States. On June 14, 2024, Connecticut issued a cease and desist letter to Bovada, following in the wake of Michigan, which sent such a latter to Bovada on May 29. Massachusetts has indicated that intends to send a similar communique shortly.

About the Connecticut Letter

Addressed to the company that owns Bovada, Harp Media B.V. in Curacao, the Connecticut letter isn't directed to any named individual but rather “To Whom it May Concern.” It was signed by Kristofer Gilman, director of gaming for the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).

According to the letter, Bovada is operating in contravention of several sections of the Connecticut General Statutes and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. Bovada is ordered to “cease and desist advertising and offering its games and services to Connecticut customers.”

The letter goes on to explain that Connecticut law prohibits “gambling and professional gambling.” Although there are exceptions under Public Act 21-23 for licensed online gaming, Bovada does not possess a license to offer such products. There are other exceptions to the general CT gambling ban within the General Statutes, but Bovada does not qualify for any of these carveouts either.

The letter closes by reaffirming that Bovada must stop offering its games to Connecticut residents. It must nevertheless let its Connecticut customers withdraw any funds they may have left in their accounts. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in civil penalties under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act along with possible criminal prosecution for violating the Connecticut General Statutes.

What is DCP Gaming Division?

The DCP Gaming Division is a branch of the Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut. The Gaming Division is responsible for regulating gambling activities throughout the state.

It is in its role as online gaming regulator that we are today most interested in the DCP Gaming Division. However, its authority extends much further than this and includes oversight responsibilities for the Connecticut Lottery, terrestrial casinos, offtrack betting, and nonprofit gaming.

What is Bovada?

Many of our readers are likely familiar with Bovada. Bovada.lv is a longstanding online poker, sports betting, and casino gambling provider that primarily serves players in the United States.

Website of Bovada.lv

Bovada specifically caters to players in the United States. The site has been in operation for many years and has amassed a solid reputation by offering fair games of chance, sports betting, and a popular poker room.

Michigan and Colorado Efforts Have Seen Success

As we've mentioned, Michigan sent Bovada a cease-and-desist letter late last month. It was not immediately clear whether or not this step would have any effect, and it was widely speculated that Bovada would simply ignore the letter.

However, on June 20, Michigan was added to the list of prohibited jurisdictions on Bovada's website. Those who attempt to access the site from a Michigan IP are greeted with the message: “We currently don't offer services in your area.”

Curiously, Colorado was also added to the areas from which Bovada no longer accepts customers. It has since come to light that the Colorado authorities sent a notice to Bovada after Michigan did although the news was not reported on at that time.

Massachusetts Considering Following Connecticut's Lead

It seems as though Michigan may have created a bit of a snowball effect. Since Michigan issued a cease-and-deist letter in May, Colorado and Connecticut have both done so, and Massachusetts may be next in line.

Right after it was announced that Connecticut was preparing to issue a letter, Massachusetts officials claim to be considering doing the same. Although nothing is official as of yet with regard to Massachusetts, this could continue among other states in the US.

The idea was brought forward during a meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission by Commissioner Nakisha Skinner. After briefly discussing the Michigan letter, she suggested, “We may want to send a cease-and-desist letter of our own.”

Reputable Offshore Gambling Still Available in Connecticut and Most States

Although the authorities in several states are trying to boot Bovada from their borders, most of them have had only limited success. Michigan residents may want to check out this Michigan online poker page to learn more about their other options. Coloradans meanwhile may wish to select from among the trustworthy operators featured in this Colorado online poker guide.

Bovada serves most states in the United States. Only New York, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, and Colorado are excluded from playing at Bovada. As long as you don't live in one of these seven states, you can sign up and play at Bovada.

New signups at Bovada can receive a 100% first deposit bonus worth up to $500 to play poker. There are additional bonus offers available for casino and sportsbook players as well. Please feel free to press the button below to sign up at Bovada today.

For more details about Bovada, head over to this factual Bovada review.