Bovada, an unlicensed online casino and sports betting platform targeting U.S. players, has been fined $50,000 by Tennessee’s Sports Wagering Council (TSWC). Despite a cease-and-desist order, Bovada continued operating in the state. Tennessee’s Sports Gaming Act allows fines for unlicensed operations, escalating with repeated offenses.
Although Bovada markets itself as a “top USA-based gambling and sports betting website,” it operates from Curacao and claims an Anjouan Gaming Board license. U.S. players lack protections, such as guaranteed payouts or secure account finances, on such platforms. TSWC urges Tennessee users to withdraw funds and close accounts immediately, warning of the risks with unlicensed operators.
With Bovada’s headquarters far from Tennessee and primarily dealing in cryptocurrency, collecting the fine seems unlikely. However, the agency is collaborating with federal and state law enforcement to shut down illegal sportsbooks like Bovada. The operator has received multiple cease-and-desist letters recently and does not accept bets from several U.S. states.
