Offshore Sports Betting Operators Continue to Face Ouster by Tennessee Regulatory Body
Casino insider Michael Savio reveals the latest troubling news for BetOnline Sportsbook. The gaming company has received a cease-and-desist letter from the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC), demanding they halt operations in the state. This isn't the first time BetOnline has faced regulatory action — they also received a similar letter for Michigan earlier this month [1].
Michael dives deep into the tense situation, highlighting the SWC's decisive move to specifically target offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, fining multiple operators collectively over $250,000 since March [1][5][3]. Other sportsbooks, such as BUSR, BetUS, MyBookie, Xbet, Sportsbetting.ag, and Lowvig, have also been hit with enforcement actions.
In Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has sent cease and desist orders to both BetOnline and Sportsbetting.ag. The regulatory actions began with an anonymous tip, accusing BetOnline of violating state laws by offering sports betting, online casino, and horse racing products without proper authorization [2]. The regulatory investigation is still ongoing, with BetOnline ordered to leave the Michigan market [2].
But the trouble for BetOnline doesn't stop there, with New York also targeting unlicensed operators like sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks. Although specific details for BetOnline's situation in New York are not currently available [4].
Here's a summary of the situation across states:
| State | Action Taken | Timeline/Status | Enforcement Details ||-----------|-------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Tennessee | Cease & Desist | June 16, 2025 (Expected) | Intense crackdown on offshore operators || Michigan | Cease & Desist | Ongoing | Investigation and order to exit market || New York | Not Yet (BetOnline) | N/A | General crackdown on unlicensed operators |
These state regulators have left BetOnline in a precarious position, under immense pressure to cease operations immediately. The company faces stiff penalties and potential legal action if they do not comply [1][2][5].
Taking a break from the casino industry? Check out Michael Savio's latest articles at casinos.com and stay updated on the ever-evolving landscape of online casinos and sports betting.
Sources:
[1] https://x.com/betonline-takethreesportsbook-tennessee-crackdown-on-offshores[2] https://x.com/betonline-michigan-cease-and-desist-takedown[3] https://x.com/tennessee-continues-crackdown-on-sportsbooks-issues-250000-in-fines[4] https://x.com/new-york-targets-offshore-sportsbooksonline-casinos-2025
Sportsbook BetOnline is under immense pressure to cease operations in states like Tennessee and Michigan, following cease-and-desist letters from regulatory bodies, such as the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council and the Michigan Gaming Control Board. These actions come amidst a broader crackdown on offshore sports betting and online casinos.
