Michigan regulator issues cease-and-desist notice to Bovada

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the agency responsible for overseeing the state's online-gambling industry, has issued a cease-and-desist notice to unlicensed offshore operator Bovada regarding its continued offering of services to Michigan gamblers.

The MGCB issued the notice to Bovada on Wednesday, May 29, and published a statement regarding the matter the following day. The notice was sent to Bovada's listed parent company, Curacao-based Harp Media B.V. The letter declares that services on two online sites, Bovada.com and Bovada.lv, are illegally available to Michigan residents. Bovada offers unlicensed online sportsbetting, casino, and poker services to gamblers in numerous countries.

Bovada and Harp Media B.V. have '14 days from receipt of the letter to take steps to prevent Michigan residents from gambling on their websites or the MGCB will take legal action.' Complying with the order would require Bovada to geo-block online traffic that originates from the state.

The cease-and-desist notice comes on the heels of Michigan's online poker players on the state's WSOP.com MI site being pooled with WSOP players in Nevada and New Jersey, becoming a full-service, three-state WSOP.com network just in time for the 2024 World Series of Poker. That series will also include 30 online-bracelet events.

Bovada accused of three violations

Michigan's gaming regulators accuse Bovada of breaking three separate laws related to gambling matters in the state. As cited by the MGCB, the regulations being broken include:

The Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which states that internet gaming in the state may only be offered by a Michigan-licensed internet-gaming operator.
The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which prohibits businesses or individuals from conducting a gambling operation without being MGCB-licensed. This is the regulatory framework through which Michigan collects tax revenue from licensed gambling activities.
The Michigan Penal Code, which otherwise prohibits any form of gambling that is not approved and regulated by the state.

“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,” said the MGCB's Executive Director Henry Williams. “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.”