Sports Betting Platforms BetOnline.ag and SportsBetting.ag Prohibited from Operating in Massachusetts
Massachusetts' crusade against unlicensed sports betting doesn't end here. The Attorney General recently slapped cease-and-desist orders on BetOnline.ag and SportsBetting.ag, pointing out their illicit gambling operations in the state.
Here's the lowdown: Massachusetts legalizes sports betting solely through authorized operators. But both BetOnline.ag and SportsBetting.ag, based in Panama, flout this by offering their services to Bay State residents.
In a stern letter, Attorney General Andrea Campbell specifically called out these offshore operators for their shady practices. She made it clear that operating a commercial gambling business in Massachusetts is strictly forbidden unless expressly permitted by the state. This includes sports betting, which must adhere to the licensing laws.
The AG's office even accused these sportsbooks of deception. They allegedly used images of American sports teams and beloved athletes to create an illusion of a domestic presence, when in reality, both companies operate out of Panama City, Panama.
A word of warning: Continued operation could land you in hot water. Penalties might include injunctive relief, restitution, fines reaching up to $5,000 per violation, and covering the state's investigative and legal expenses.
This isn't a solo stand for Massachusetts. Other states like Michigan, California, and New York are also on the warpath against unauthorized online gambling operators. The Michigan Gaming Control Board, California legislature, and New York Senate have all taken initiative to ban illegal gambling platforms. And the enforcement isn't a joke - these states have issued cease-and-desist orders, passed legislative bans, and used regulatory authority to shut down offending operators[1][2][3]. So, if you're thinking of joining the dark side, think again. You'll be up against a nationwide movement.
Sports betting operators, such as BetOnline.ag and SportsBetting.ag, are facing criticism for their illegal gambling operations in Massachusetts. These offshore sportsbooks, based in Panama, are violating state laws by offering their services to Bay State residents, despite sports betting only being legalized in Massachusetts through authorized operators.
The general news about Massachusetts' crusade against unlicensed sports betting isn't limited to the state, as Michigan, California, and New York are also taking action against unauthorized online gambling operators. The Michigan Gaming Control Board, California legislature, and New York Senate have all initiated steps to ban illegal gambling platforms, demonstrating a nationwide movement against such illicit operations.
