Florida Gaming Commission Orders BetUS and Others to Exit

Florida regulators have taken decisive action against offshore betting sites operating illegally within the state.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has issued cease-and-desist letters to BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie, demanding they halt operations immediately.

With strict gambling regulations in place, Florida is cracking down on unlicensed online sportsbooks while reinforcing legal gaming avenues.

Offshore operators face potential felony charges, leaving Hard Rock Bet as the sole legal online sportsbook in the state.

Florida Orders BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie to Cease Operations in the State

3 Key Points:

• Florida bans offshore betting sites: The FGCC has ordered BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie to stop offering wagers to Florida residents.
• Strict gambling laws remain in effect: Only licensed casinos and Hard Rock Bet are permitted to operate legally within the state.
• Problem gambling concerns rise: Calls to Florida’s compulsive gambling helpline surged by over 50% in 2024, sparking concerns about online betting addiction.

Florida Bans Offshore Betting Sites Amid Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has taken action against three major offshore gambling operators, ordering BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie to immediately cease operations within the state.

Regulators accuse these companies of facilitating illegal sports betting and online casino gaming, violating Florida’s strict gambling laws. The FGCC reiterated that only licensed gaming providers, including the Seminole Tribe-operated Hard Rock Bet, are legally permitted to offer online sports wagering in Florida.

According to the cease-and-desist orders, these offshore sportsbooks have been operating without licenses, accepting wagers on sports events, horse racing, proposition bets, and futures—practices deemed illegal under state law.

Under Florida law, engaging in or facilitating unauthorized gambling is classified as a felony offense. This includes:

• Operating or promoting unlicensed betting services
• Accepting bets on games of skill, horse races, or sporting events
• Assisting in illegal gambling activities

Ross Marshman, Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining a tightly regulated gaming market. He stressed that unauthorized operators undermine state revenue and consumer protections, making enforcement a priority.

Florida’s Legal Gambling Landscape

Despite the rise of online sports betting across the U.S., Florida maintains strict control over its gambling industry.

Current Legal Gaming Options in Florida:

• 14 licensed slot machine venues
• Six tribal casinos operated by the Seminole Tribe
• Hard Rock Bet – the only legal online sportsbook in the state

In 2024, state-licensed gambling operations generated over $240 million in tax revenue, primarily funding Florida’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. Meanwhile, the Seminole Tribe’s gaming operations are expected to contribute over $2.5 billion in revenue-sharing payments over the next five years.

This exclusive agreement with the Seminole Tribe has made Florida one of the most restrictive states for sports betting, limiting competition while securing massive financial contributions from tribal gaming operations.

Rising Concerns Over Online Gambling Addiction

The FGCC’s crackdown on offshore sportsbooks comes as problem gambling rates in Florida continue to climb.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling reported a 50% surge in helpline calls in 2024, reflecting the growing accessibility of online betting.

Experts attribute the rise in gambling addiction to:

• The convenience of mobile betting platforms
• Aggressive marketing campaigns from legal operators
• Increased exposure to digital gambling ads and sponsorships

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that:

• 2.5 million Americans suffer from severe gambling addiction
• 5-8 million experience moderate gambling problems

A 2023 American Psychological Association study found that individuals in their early 20s are the fastest-growing demographic of online gamblers, raising concerns about youth exposure to digital betting platforms.

The Lancet Public Health Journal has called on governments to treat gambling addiction as a public health crisis, urging policymakers to introduce stricter advertising regulations and consumer protection measures.

Florida Enforces Its Gambling Laws, Offshore Operators Face Uncertain Future

Florida’s decision to ban BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie marks a significant step in enforcing its strict gambling regulations.

With limited legal gaming options available, the state remains committed to protecting its revenue streams and consumer safety.

However, as problem gambling rates rise, calls for responsible gaming measures and regulatory reforms will likely intensify.

For now, offshore operators are under increasing scrutiny, and Florida’s stance on unauthorized betting platforms remains clear—comply or exit the market.