The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) has escalated enforcement against Bovada.lv, an offshore sportsbook operating illegally in the state, by issuing a second cease-and-desist notice. The operator, registered in Curaçao, has continued offering online casino services to Washington residents despite prior warnings to halt operations.
Unlicensed Gambling and Legal Risks
As the state agency responsible for enforcing Washington’s gambling laws, the WSGC stated that Bovada provides Washington residents with the ability to “stake something of value on future contingent events for the opportunity to receive something of value, which meets the definition of gambling,” according to RCW 9.46.0237.
By accepting wagers and fees from residents, Bovada is accused of collecting unlawful debt under RCW 9A.82.045. Additionally, the commission highlighted that transmitting gambling information over the internet constitutes a Class C felony under RCW 9.46.240. A spokesperson explained, “Participants (who may not even know they are wagering illegally) are in violation of RCW 9.46.240,” emphasizing the legal exposure for both the operator and its users.
Engaging with unlicensed sportsbooks can also pose financial risks. The WSGC warned that sensitive personal and financial information may not be protected and could potentially be misused by criminal enterprises. Wagers placed on these platforms might be withheld or lost without recourse. For Washington residents interested in legal sports betting, tribal casinos authorized under state-tribal compacts remain the only compliant avenue.
Enforcement History and Industry Context
This second cease-and-desist follows the commission’s initial enforcement letter sent to Bovada on January 10, 2025, which went unanswered. A WSGC spokesperson confirmed that the site continues to operate in the state without approval.
“Our investigation determined that Bovada allows Washington residents the opportunity to stake something of value on future contingent events for the opportunity to receive something of value, which meets the definition of gambling,” the commission reiterated publicly. The operator is accused of multiple violations, including committing a Class C felony via internet transmissions.
In other jurisdictions, Bovada has sometimes restricted access to users instead of responding directly to cease-and-desist letters. Last year, Tennessee’s Sports Wagering Council fined the operator $50,000 after it ignored multiple enforcement notices, though it is unclear if the fine was collected.
The WSGC indicated it will consider all available enforcement options and collaborate with state and federal law enforcement partners should Bovada continue ignoring its directives.
Broader Monitoring of Offshore Operators
Washington has issued similar cease-and-desist notices to 15 operators deemed illegal, including Betonline.ag, betanysports.eu, betUS.com.pa, and mybookie.ag, as well as marketplaces like PropSwap and WagerWire, which allow trading of sports betting tickets.
The commission is also monitoring Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market that previously received a C&D in February 2021. Although investigations by the CFTC and DOJ have concluded and Polymarket obtained CFTC-licensed exchange QCEX in July, the WSGC continues to view unauthorized prediction markets as not permitted in Washington. The agency confirmed it will monitor ongoing litigation concerning these platforms as legal developments unfold.
Source:
“WSGC Issues Second Cease and Desist Notice to Bovada.lv”, wsgc.wa.gov, September 19, 2025
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