Ohio and Michigan Crack Down on Illegal Online Gambling Operators

Not that long ago, illegal online gambling sites were allowed to operate without impunity. That is likely attributable to the fact legal online sportsbook and casino gambling had not yet arrived in America. Clearly, those days have come and gone.

As a sign that the U.S. online gambling industry is starting to show signs of maturity, state after state is starting to crack down on the very same iGaming operators that were freely plying their trades before May 2018. That's the month and year when the U.S. Supreme Court finally ruled that the nation's ban on sports betting and various forms of online gambling was unconstitutional.

With that ruling, the right to decide which forms of retail and online gambling could be made to state residents was passed on to each respective state legislature. With cat-like speed, thirty-nine (39) states have legalized retail and or online sports betting. That's in addition to three (3) states that have active legislation moving through the legalization process.

It's noteworthy that seven (7) states that have already passed online casino gambling legislation with several states looking at doing the same.

With the interest of local licensed operators to protect, several states have started cracking down on illegal unlicensed iGaming operators. Let's take a look at recent relevant news out of Ohio and Michigan.

Ohio Gets Added to Bovada Sportsbook's Restricted List

Because of the operator's willingness to accept U.S. sports bettors, Bovada Sportsbook garnered a reputation as one of the nation's top "offshore" operators. That reign is coming to an end.

It was recently announced that the Ohio Control Commission through Executive Director Matthew T. Schuler had sent Bovada's management a cease-and-desist letter. The letter, dated August 6, 2024, demanded that the operator stop accepting online sports wagers from Ohio residents by no later than August 16. The letter read:

“Because Bovada is offering unlicensed and illegal online gaming products within Ohio, the Commission demands that Bovada cease and desist from offering, participating in the offering, or facilitating those who offer these products in the State of Ohio. Bovada shall notify the Commission in writing no later than August 16, 2024, that it has complied with this cease-and-desist notice.”

Bovada has complied, making Ohio the 11th state to be put on its restricted list of states when sports from which bets will not be accepted.

Michigan Bans Another iGaming Operator

It's noteworthy that Michigan is one of the 11 states that have banned Bovada Sportsbook. That action took place earlier this year. Now, The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is going after another operator.

Effective August 27, 2024, the MGCB sent a cease-and-desist letter to OC Media Holdings LLC, operating as One Country Give. The Arkansas-based iGaming operator One Country Give operates a series of online lotteries/raffles through a group of four membership levels.

The company will now have 14 days to comply or risk legal action Michigan Attorney General’s Office. One County Give has yet to respond to the letter.