Connecticut Plans to Send Cease and Desist Letter to Bovada

Following news two weeks ago that the state of Michigan had sent a cease and desist letter out to Bovada for continuing to take bets from those in the Great Lakes State without obtaining a license, Connecticut regulators say they plan to do the same in the coming weeks.

Regulators claim Bovada, which is licensed in Curacao, is in violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code.

“The proliferation of online gaming platforms has led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, and this action serves as a stern warning to overseas companies that flouting local regulations will not be tolerated,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “The MGCB remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding Michigan’s laws and regulations and will continue to actively monitor and enforce compliance within the state to ensure a fair and secure gaming environment for all.”

The board says Bovada had 14 days to take steps to prevent Michigan residents from gaming on their sites before further legal action is taken.

That 14 days appeared to be up by week's end with no indication as of yet that Bovada has any intention of exiting that state.

Now we are learning that Connecticut intends to also send Bovada a cease and desist letter in the coming days, as first reported by Robert Linnehan of XL Media.

Linnehan tweeted:

"The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division has confirmed with @SBD that it will be sending a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada within the week."

"The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division has confirmed with @SBD that it will be sending a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada within the week."

Based on Gamblng911.com internal data, Bovada is the most searched for online sportsbook brand in North America after FanDuel and DraftKings.  PrizePicks, which operates under the guise of a daily fantasy sports site but offers a product similar to that of player prop bet parlays, is the most searched for in the space.  PrizePicks has also come under scrutiny of some state regulators in recent months.