Florida Regulators Demand Three Illegal Operators to Exit State

In February 2024, roughly one year ago, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) issued cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks, Betr, and Underdog Fantasy, arguing that the three daily fantasy sports operators were “offering or accepting illegal bets or wagers from (Florida) residents.” 

At the beginning of the week, the FGCC sent another strong message to overseas sportsbooks and casinos by demanding that three online platforms immediately cease their illegal operations targeting Florida residents and visitors. 

BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie Received the Letters

Namely, the FGCC sent cease-and-desist letters to the parent companies of three prominent betting platforms: BetUS (Milvus Ltd.), Bovada (Harp Media B.V.), and MyBookie (Gaming Services Provider, N.V.), all of which operate outside the United States but are still accessible to Floridians.

According to the commission’s release, the websites run by these foreign gambling operators facilitate illegal wagering activities. 

These activities include betting on sports, horse races, futures, point spreads, prop bets, totals, and moneylines. 

Florida law considers such conduct a felony offense of the third degree, specifically under the § 849.14 in the Florida Statutes. 

Floridians, Asked to Exercise Caution 

The FGCC’s executive director, Ross Marshman, made several comments about the state’s strict regulatory gaming framework.

Marshman pointed out that the Sunshine State has limited legal gaming businesses. 

“For example, counting the eight legal, state-licensed slot machine businesses and the six tribal gaming locations currently operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there are only 14 legal slot machine businesses in Florida,” Marshman stated. 

He also clarified that the only lawful online sportsbook in the state is Hard Rock Bet, which the Seminole Tribe of Florida manages. 

The executive director took the opportunity to warn Floridians to be cautious: “Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware.”

Florida to Receive at Least $2.5B from the Seminole Tribe

The FGCC also emphasized the fact that illegal gambling operators do not contribute to the state’s economy. 

In contrast, legal gaming operations generate crucial tax revenue. For example, in 2024, the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of Florida received more than $240 million in tax revenue from the eight state-licensed slot machine businesses. 

Over the next five years, Florida is expected to receive a minimum of $2.5 billion from the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Other states are also taking action against illegal gambling operations. Recently, the Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a cease-and-desist notice to MyBookie, while Bovada has pulled out of several states, including New Hampshire, following regulatory pressure. At the end of January, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and the FGCC emphasized the need to amend existing laws, asking for better rules when dealing with the widespread issue of illegal betting operations across Florida.