Florida’s gaming regulator has ordered three overseas gambling operators to cease operations in the state, accusing them of illegally offering online sports betting, casino games, and horse racing to residents.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) sent cease-and-desist letters to Milvus Ltd. (BetUS.com.pa), Harp Media B.V. (Bovada.lv), and Gaming Services Provider, N.V. (MyBookie.ag), warning that their activities violate state laws.
These companies are facilitating illegal gaming, which is a felony offense under Florida law, the FGCC stated.
Florida maintains strict gaming regulations, allowing only a limited number of state-licensed gaming businesses and tribal operations. The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock Bet is the sole legal online sportsbook in the state.
FGCC Executive Director Ross Marshman urged bettors to use licensed operators. “Gaming, both land-based and online, is strictly regulated in Florida. Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware,” he said in a statement.
The commission also emphasized that illegal operators do not contribute tax revenue to the state, unlike licensed slot machine businesses and the Seminole Tribe, which collectively generate billions in revenue for education, infrastructure, and conservation programs.
According to the FGCC, the targeted websites allow users to wager on sports, horse races, and casino-style games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. They also allegedly offer illegal lottery promotions such as deposit-matching bonuses and cash giveaways, which violate Florida’s Constitution and state statutes.
The regulator warned that participating in or facilitating unauthorized gaming is a criminal offense in Florida.
Florida is the first state to take direct action against BetUS, while other states have previously moved against MyBookie and Bovada.
Bovada has already exited 17 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., following regulatory pressure. Michigan and New Hampshire are among the states that recently ordered MyBookie and Bovada to stop operations.
The FGCC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing gaming laws, stating that it aims to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities in Florida through fair regulation, licensing, and enforcement.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/04/94054-florida-orders-three-overseas-gambling-operators-to-halt-illegal-activities
