FGCC commands overseas operators to end business in Florida
The Commission sent cease-and-desist letters to Milvus, BetUS, Harp Media, Bovada and MyBookie.
Key Points
- The FGCC stated that websites operated by the overseas bookmakers and casinos in question only offer illegal wagers
- It was stated that the illegal conduct has not been limited to sports betting and horse racing, also including casino-style games
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple overseas bookmakers and casinos that have been found to offer illegal wagers to residents of the state. The Commission sent letters to Milvus, BetUS, Harp Media, Bovada and MyBookie, with the illegal conduct having extended past sports betting and horse racing to also include casino-style games.
“Gaming, both land-based and online, is strictly regulated in Florida. For example, when it comes to slot machine gaming, counting the eight legal, state-licensed slot machine businesses and the six tribal gaming locations currently operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there are only fourteen legal slot machine businesses in Florida,” FGCC Executive Director Ross Marshman said.
“The only online sportsbook operating lawfully in Florida is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock Bet. Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware.”
Good to know: The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International showed support for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton by donating $1m on October 14
The FGCC also stated that the overseas casinos in question “offers or accepts wagers on casino-style games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat. It is a criminal offense to conduct unauthorized games of chance.”
The Commission highlighted how tax revenue from state-licensed slot machine businesses and revenue-sharing payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida are used to fund “valuable” state programs. When revenue is generated by overseas bookmakers and casinos, however, the operations offer no benefits to residents of Florida or state programs.
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