Saturday, February 15, 2025
Fantasy Guru - Baseball

Florida Regulators Demand Three Illegal Operators to Exit State

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has demanded that three gambling operators cease their illegal operations targeting state residents and visitors.

Previous Warnings Ignored

In February 2024, approximately one year ago, the FGCC issued cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks, Betr, and Underdog Fantasy, accusing them of “offering or accepting illegal bets or wagers from Florida residents.”

Recent Enforcement Action

At the start of the week, the FGCC sent a strong message to overseas sportsbooks and casinos, demanding that three online platforms immediately halt their illegal operations in Florida.

BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie Receive Notices

The FGCC sent cease-and-desist letters to the parent companies of three prominent betting platforms: BetUS (Milvus Ltd.), Bovada (Harp Media B.V.), and MyBookie (Gaming Services Provider, N.V.). Despite operating outside the United States, these platforms are accessible to Floridians.

According to the commission’s release, these websites facilitate illegal wagering activities, including betting on sports, horse races, futures, point spreads, prop bets, totals, and moneylines. Florida law classifies such conduct as a third-degree felony under § 849.14 in the Florida Statutes.

Caution Advised

The FGCC’s executive director, Ross Marshman, emphasized Florida’s strict regulatory framework for gaming. He highlighted the limited number of legal gaming businesses in the state, including eight state-licensed slot machine establishments and six tribal gaming locations operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Marshman clarified that Hard Rock Bet, managed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is the only lawful online sportsbook in the state. He warned Floridians to exercise caution: “Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware.”

Economic Impact

The FGCC stressed that illegal gambling operators do not contribute to the state’s economy. In contrast, legal gaming operations generate crucial tax revenue. For instance, in 2024, the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of Florida received over $240 million in tax revenue from the eight state-licensed slot machine businesses. Over the next five years, Florida is expected to receive at least $2.5 billion from the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Nationwide Crackdown

Other states are also taking action against illegal gambling operations. Recently, the Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a cease-and-desist notice to MyBookie. Bovada has withdrawn from several states, including New Hampshire, following regulatory pressure. At the end of January, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and the FGCC called for amendments to existing laws to better address the issue of illegal betting operations in Florida.

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