Summary:
- The Florida Gaming Control Commission has ordered three overseas gambling operators to halt illegal online betting operations.
- The cease-and-desist orders were issued to BetUS, Bovada and MyBookie.
- The measure was a result of the companies offering illegal sports and horse race betting.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) took action against three overseas gambling operators on Monday, demanding they stop offering illegal online betting services to Florida residents and visitors.
The FGCC issued cease-and-desist orders to the parent companies of BetUS (Milvus Ltd.), Bovada (Harp Media B.V.), and MyBookie (Gaming Services Provider, N.V.).
Although based outside the U.S., all three companies are accessible to the people of Florida.
In Violation of Florida’s Gaming Regulations
According to the FGCC, the gambling activities run by these platforms violated Florida’s strict gaming laws, which strictly prohibit illegal wagering on sports, horse racing, and other forms of betting.
The cease-and-desist letter specifically pointed out that these websites were taking in illegal bets, including on-point spreads, moneylines, totals, proposition bets, and futures in sports, as well as wagers in racebooks.
The letter emphasized that, under Florida law, these activities constitute a felony offense, as outlined in § 849.14 of the Florida Statutes.
The law also criminalizes accepting illegal wagers on any form of skill-based contests or competitions.
FGCC Exec Director: “Bettor Beware.”
Ross Marshman, the Executive Director of the FGCC, addressed the issue directly, emphasizing that both land-based and online gaming are “strictly regulated in Florida” while highlighting the state’s limited number of legal gaming options.
Marshman further noted that, aside from the legal slot machine businesses and tribal casinos, the Sunshine State has very few authorized gaming operators.
The only legitimate online sportsbook in Florida is the Hard Rock Bet, operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Marshman warned residents, “Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware.”
The FGCC, which is a five-member regulatory body that exercises all regulatory and executive powers, also underscored the negative impact of illegal gambling on the state.
Unlike legal operations, which contribute to the state’s tax revenue and funding for public programs, illegal gambling offers no such benefits.
In 2024, Florida’s state-licensed slot machine businesses contributed over $240 million to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
Additionally, the federally recognized Seminole Tribe of Florida is expected to generate at least $2.5 billion in revenue for the state over the next five years through its legal gaming operations.
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