The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has taken decisive action against three overseas bookmakers and casinos that have been illegally operating online gambling websites accessible to Florida residents and visitors. The FGCC has issued cease-and-desist letters to Milvus Ltd., d/b/a BetUS.com.pa; Harp Media B.V., d/b/a Bovada.lv; and Gaming Services Provider, N.V., d/b/a MyBookie.ag, demanding that they immediately halt their unlawful operations within the state.
According to FGCC, these overseas bookmakers offer only illegal wagers, violating Florida’s strict gambling laws. The cease-and-desist letter explains:
“The gambling websites offered by your overseas bookmaking and casino operation offer or accept wagering on sports and horse races, including betting on point spreads, moneylines, and totals, as well as proposition bets and futures in the sportsbook and adding money to bet slips in the racebook. Under Florida law, this conduct is a felony offense.”
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Florida law also makes it a felony offense to receive illegal wagers on the outcome of any contest of skill, speed, power, or endurance involving humans or animals. Those who aid, assist, or abet such illegal wagering are also subject to felony charges under state law.
Ross Marshman, Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, emphasized the importance of regulation in the gaming industry and warned Floridians against using illegal online betting platforms.
“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,” Marshman stated.
“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.”
The illegal activities of these overseas gambling operators are not limited to sports betting and horse racing. The FGCC’s cease-and-desist letter also revealed that these websites offer unauthorized casino-style games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, which are strictly prohibited under Florida law.
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Additionally, the websites host illegal lotteries, including deposit-matching promotions, cash giveaways, and sign-up bonuses. According to Florida law, the operation, promotion, or advertisement of such an illegal lottery is a felony offense under both the Florida Constitution and state statutes.
Illegal gambling operations do not contribute to Florida’s economy or benefit residents. In contrast, tax revenue from state-licensed gaming businesses and revenue-sharing payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida fund essential state programs.
For example, in 2024 alone, Florida’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund received over $240 million in tax revenue from the state’s eight licensed slot machine businesses. Additionally, over the next five years, Florida is set to receive no less than $2.5 billion from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, with funds specifically earmarked for water quality improvements, infrastructure projects, and conservation land management.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission remains committed to enforcing state gaming laws, preserving the integrity of legal gaming operations, and preventing illegal gambling activities. The FGCC encourages Florida residents to report any suspected illegal gambling activity through the following channels:
- Online: FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report
- Email: Contact@FLGaming.gov
- Phone: 850-880-3433
With the FGCC cracking down on offshore gambling operators, bettors are urged to play it safe and stick to Florida’s legal gaming options.
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