Bovada Restricts Pennsylvania and Kansas

Bovada Adds Pennsylvania to Growing List of Restricted Jurisdictions

Bovada, one of the largest offshore gambling operators, has added Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Louisiana to its list of restricted jurisdictions. These recent additions bring Bovada’s total banned areas to 13 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C., marking a significant shift in regulatory actions targeting offshore operators.

The battle between state regulators and offshore gambling sites has been intensifying. Over the past few months, Bovada has faced increasing pressure from state gaming authorities, leading to these new restrictions. As regulators ramp up efforts to curb illegal gambling, states like Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Louisiana have issued cease-and-desist letters to Bovada’s parent company, Harp Media, for operating without proper licenses and compliance.

In May, Michigan led the charge, issuing the first cease-and-desist order to Bovada, followed by Connecticut, Colorado, and Ohio in August. These regulatory measures have forced Bovada to cease operations in several states, including Pennsylvania, which sent a final notice last month after discovering illegal wagers on events like the Little League World Series.

Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board (PGCB) confirmed sending a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada at the end of August. According to PGCB spokesperson Richard McGarvey, the letter, coming from the enforcement division, is part of the broader crackdown on illegal operators. Kansas and Louisiana have also taken similar steps, with both states’ gaming commissions issuing official warnings earlier in the summer.

Bovada’s departure from these markets is expected to shift online gambling revenues back into regulated, legal platforms. In Pennsylvania, for example, last month’s online casino revenues hit a staggering $225 million, marking the second-highest total ever recorded. With Bovada exiting the scene, more funds are expected to flow into licensed operators.

Randy Evans, a government relations manager with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, explained the rationale behind these enforcement efforts. “Our goal is to protect the public by ensuring they are playing on licensed, regulated, and taxed platforms. We want players to feel safe knowing they are gambling on legitimate sites that follow our rules.” Similarly, Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman Christopher B. Hebert emphasized that Bovada’s operations violated the state’s laws, as online casinos remain illegal in Louisiana, even though sports betting is allowed with a license—something Harp Media lacked.

As Bovada exits Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Louisiana, more states are expected to follow suit, signaling a growing movement against unregulated offshore gambling. With online gaming becoming more mainstream, legal operators stand to benefit significantly as states direct revenues back into licensed systems. As of now, 13 states plus Washington, D.C., have successfully restricted Bovada, and many more are considering similar measures, including Massachusetts, which is reportedly reviewing its sports betting landscape.