Louisiana has joined a growing list of U.S. states cracking down on unregulated offshore sportsbooks, with the state’s Gaming Control Board banning Bovada from operating within its borders. The move comes as Louisiana’s legal sports betting market continues to thrive, with licensed and regulated operators paying fees and taxes to support state and local coffers.
The LGCB sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, ordering the company to immediately stop offering its online casino services in Louisiana. The Board’s chairman, Chris Hebert, emphasized that Bovada’s operations were in violation of state gaming laws and regulations, allowing Louisiana residents to place wagers without meeting the same requirements as licensed operators.
Louisiana is the latest in a series of states, including Michigan, Colorado, Connecticut, West Virginia, and Ohio, to restrict Bovada’s presence in their markets. Hebert acknowledged the efforts of other states in curbing illegal offshore sports betting providers and expressed hope for federal intervention in the future.
With nearly 40 states now hosting legal sports betting industries, the crackdown on unregulated operators like Bovada is expected to continue. The move aims to protect the integrity of the regulated market and ensure that operators comply with necessary regulations and financial safeguards. Louisiana’s decision reflects a broader trend among states to prioritize licensed and regulated sports betting platforms over offshore competitors.
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