BetOnline received its fourth cease and desist letter in less than three months as unlicensed and offshore operators continue to face scrutiny across America.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office issued a cease and desist order to BetOnline for operating in the Bay State without licensing from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Massachusetts law requires online sports betting operators to receive a license from the MGC to provide online wagering.
“BetOnline has no such licensure and yet offers sports betting on its platform. Similarly, BetOnline’s website permits betting on horse races, but BetOnline does not maintain any horse racing licenses,” said Assistant Attorney General Louisa Castrucci in the letter.
BetOnline is operating in Massachusetts as an unlicensed operator by also providing casino-style games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker. As of June 2025, Massachusetts is not one of the seven U.S. online casino markets.
In addition to BetOnline, Campbell’s office issued a cease and desist order to SportsBetting.ag for posing as a legitimate business as an operator based in Panama.
Campbell’s office sent a cease and desist order to SportsBetting.ag for also operating in Massachusetts without a wagering license. The attorney general also took issue with SportsBetting.ag using U.S. athletes and content creators to promote the platform.
BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag are ordered to immediately cease operations in Massachusetts. Failure to comply could lead to legal repercussions and a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. The operators would also be responsible for investigation costs.
Young people are a focus in Massachusetts
Campbell is taking action against BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag to protect the public from gambling-related harm, particularly young people across Massachusetts.
Last year, Campbell launched the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition. The public-private pact provides education to young people on the risks associated with gambling.
The coalition is backed by the Boston Red Sox, England Patriots and Boston Celtics.
BetOnline adds to a growing list of C&D orders
BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag received cease and desist letters in April from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) for accepting bets from customers in the state without a license. An anonymous tip sparked an investigation by Michigan’s gaming regulator leading to its cease and desist orders. The MGCB also took issue with Sportsbetting.ag providing cash-back incentives for online casino losses.
The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) sent a cease and desist letter to BetOnline in May for allegedly operating an illegal offshore sportsbook in the state. The SWC informed BetOnline of a $10,000 fine for its first offense of accepting wagers without a license after the deadline for its exit, which was June 16. The SWC also called for a fine of $15,000 for a second offense. A third offense called for a $25,000 fine.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board recently sent over 40 cease and desist orders to operators, including BetOnline, Bovada, Blazesoft and VGW Holdings. The letters were sent as the gaming regulator attempts to combat the operation of sweepstakes casinos.
