The Florida Gaming Control Commission has sent cease and desist letters to three offshore casinos, namely BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie. It points out that the websites operated by these overseas casinos offer wagers illegally, as betting under Florida law is a felony. Furthermore, it is also a felony to receive bets or wagers on any game of skill, endurance, power, or speed of humans or beasts.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission, or the FGCC, has issued a strong directive to three offshore casinos and bookmakers, demanding that they stop illegal online gambling operations in the state. The FGCC sent cease-and-desist letters to Harp Media B.V., operating as Bovada.lv, Milvus Ltd, operating as BetUS.com.pa, and Gaming Services Provider, N.V., operating as MyBookie.ag, citing their violation of Florida gambling laws.

These online platforms, which offer casino-style games, sports betting, and horse racing wagers, are accessible to Florida residents and visitors. According to the FGCC, all such operations are strictly prohibited under state law.

Illegal gambling violations

The FGCC's cease-and-desist letter outlines the violations committed by these overseas entities. Their gambling websites allow Florida residents to place bets on sports and horse races, which include moneylines, point spreads, and proposition bets and futures, as well as totals. Additionally, users can place money on bet slips for horse racing events. Florida law classifies these activities as felony offenses.

Aside from sports betting, these websites also offer casino-style gambling, including poker, slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat - unauthorized games of chance prohibited by state law. Furthermore, these platforms engage in illegal lottery operations by offering deposit-matching promotions, cash prize giveaways, and welcome bonuses, which violate Florida's legal framework governing gaming activities.

The FGCC's firm stand on illegal gambling

Ross Marshman, Executive Director of the FGCC, reinforced the state's commitment to maintaining strict gaming regulations.

"Gaming, both land-based and online, is strictly regulated in Florida," Marshman stated. He continued that there are only fourteen legal slot machine businesses in the state, including eight state-licensed establishments and six tribal gaming locations run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The only online sportsbook legally operating in Florida is the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Hard Rock Bet. Anyone betting on the Big Game needs to be aware of this - bettor beware, he stressed.

Economic impact of illegal gambling

Illegal gambling casinos and sportsbooks provide no financial benefit to Floridians, while legal gaming establishments contribute significantly to the state's economy. According to FGCC data, in 2024 alone, Florida's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund received more than $240 million in taxes from state-licensed slot machine businesses.

Additionally, the state will receive a minimum of $2.5 billion in revenue-sharing payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida over the next five years. These funds are earmarked for essential programs such as infrastructure development, water quality improvements, and conservation land management.

Protecting Florida's gaming industry

The Florida Gaming Control Commission remains dedicated to preserving the integrity of gaming operations within the state through rigorous regulation, licensing, and enforcement. Floridians are encouraged to report any suspected illegal gambling activities to the commission. Reports can be submitted online at FLGaming.gov/File-aReport, via email at [email protected], or by telephone at 850-880-3433.

Aside from the above, for a list of authorized gaming locations in Florida, residents and visitors can access an interactive map at FLGaming.gov/locations. The Florida Gaming Control Commission continues to uphold state laws to ensure that legal gaming operations remain a safe and beneficial part of the state's economy while protecting residents from unregulated and illicit gambling activities.