Bovada Reduces American Footprint by Withdrawing from Ohio
In a move to uphold the integrity of gambling laws in Ohio, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has sent a stern cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, a prominent offshore sportsbook and online casino platform. The OCCC deemed the type of wagering offered by Bovada via its website as illegal in Ohio. The commission, which oversees compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the state, will employ 'civil and criminal tools' to address gaming products being offered illegally in Ohio.
Bovada, also under scrutiny by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is accused of allowing 18-year-olds to engage in gambling, despite displaying information that all users must be of legal age in their jurisdiction.
The OCCC set August 16 as the deadline for Bovada to send a written confirmation of compliance with the cease-and-desist order. In response, Harp Media, the company that operates Bovada, has complied with the order and halted operations in Ohio.
This move comes as Ohio, a top-10 market for American sports bettors, has been added to the list of restricted states on Bovada's platform. This follows a similar action taken by the Michigan Gaming Control Board last month, which sent a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media.
It is speculated that Connecticut sent a similar letter in July. The OCCC will continue to monitor entities seeking to offer casino games, skill games, fantasy contests, or sports gaming in Ohio.
The OCCC's actions have had a significant impact on the state's revenue. During the first year and a half of wagering in Ohio, a handle of $11.8 billion was generated, contributing to a total of $87.6 million in state tax revenue during the same period. The revenue for 2024, up to the first half, stands at $4.1 billion.
Casino gaming is currently authorized at four casino facilities: one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and Franklin County (Columbus). As the OCCC continues to enforce gambling regulations, it is expected that more entities will comply with the laws to maintain a fair and safe gaming environment in Ohio.
Bovada's FAQ list has been updated to guide bettors with balances in Ohio and other restricted states on how to retrieve their funds. The update aims to provide clarity and alleviate any concerns for affected users.
As the gambling landscape in Ohio continues to evolve, the OCCC remains dedicated to ensuring all entities operate within the bounds of the law, providing a secure and regulated environment for both operators and bettors.
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