Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a proposed bill banning sweepstakes sites because he found it redundant, as he argued the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) already has the authority to tell them to exit the state. Days later, the LGCB is doing just that.
The board is taking a stance against the unlicensed operators by issuing a slew of cease and desist orders for circumventing Louisiana’s gaming laws and regulations. The regulator sent Bovada a cease and desist letter in 2024 and has issued over 40 additional orders.
Louisiana’s gaming regulator did not disclose the other operators that received the orders.
“These actions send a clear message,” said LGCB Chairman Christopher B. Hebert. “Louisiana will not tolerate illegal operators who put our citizens at risk and undermine the fairness and integrity of our gaming industry. We will continue to use every enforcement tool available to protect the public and uphold the law.”
Mississippi joins Louisiana with new C&D orders
The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) is also taking regulatory action against Bovada and other offshore wagering and sweepstakes casino platforms. The commission sent electronic and mail cease and desist orders to operators circumventing state laws.
“Our laws are clear that casino-style gaming and sports wagering are not allowed online in Mississippi, outside of a licensed casino,” said MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel. “The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators, and the MGC is currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution.”
Last year, McDaniel said he sent several rounds of cease and desist letters to Bovada but failed to receive a response from the operator. Bovada continued to operate in Mississippi despite the letters, as did MyBookie, BetUS, BetWhale and BetOnline.
In addition to Bovada, the MGC’s latest round of cease and desist orders includes BetWhale, BetUS, MyBookie, BetOnline, IgnitionCasino and VGW’s Chumba Casino.
