Michigan Issues Cease and Desist Notice to Bovada

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease and desist letter to Harp Media B.V., the holding company that runs Bovada.com and Bovada.lv - well known offshore sports betting sites.

The MGCB statement outlined that Bovada is coming up against a number of local gaming laws including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act

They make it clear that Bovada is not a state-licensed gaming operator and aren't recognized as lawful by the state of Michigan. It also notes that only licensed internet gaming operators working under license through the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act will be tolerated, with any operators, including Bovada in this matter, falling outside of this, considered prohibited.

Harp Media B.V. has 14 days in order to take any action to prevent people in Michigan from accessing its gambling websites. If it fails to do so, the MGCB have insisted they will follow this through, and will take further action.

The MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said about the cease and desist notice:

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. 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.

Best Betting Michigan's View

In line with our own stance to only promote licensed and legal sportsbooks who operate fairly within the MGCB's parameters, we applaud this stance to push back against the offshore books.

Many states have asked the authorities for support in clamping down, and it was only back in 2023 that seven different state regulators, including Michigan, asked for help from the US Attorney Garland to help block offshore wagering.

We see this as a really positive step in order to keep Michigan players safe and secure in their wagering activities and hope that it acts as a catalyst for further action on other offshore books.