The regulatory net is tightening around offshore gambling operators in the United States, as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the issuance of 14 cease-and-desist letters to casino and gaming sites operating illegally within the state.
The action, announced on Wednesday, targets prominent sites including Bovada, MyBookie, BetOnline, and BetUS, alongside 10 others such as VG LuckyLand, Zula Casino, and Fortune Coins.
This significant move follows previous, less-effective attempts to curb these operations. All of the cited sites had already received correspondence from the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, instructing them to either discontinue services or modify their business practices to comply with state laws.
However, the division lacked the crucial authority to issue legally binding cease-and-desist orders, which significantly hampered enforcement. The Attorney General’s intervention now provides the necessary legal teeth to hold these operators accountable.
Minnesota Attorney General General Ellison emphasized the deceptive nature of these offshore platforms, cautioning consumers that their presence does not signify legality or safety within Minnesota. He specifically addressed the common tactic of disguising gambling activities:
The effort to rebrand poker chips as virtual currencies does not alter the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful. The state is committed to ensuring these operators, who are likely openly defying state laws, do not continue to operate unchecked.
Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, reinforced the consumer protection focus of the action. He highlighted the significant risks posed by illegal offshore casinos and sweepstakes sites, noting that most are based outside the United States to deliberately avoid local laws, regulation, and enforcement measures.
Without proper oversight, there is no accountability, no protection for players, and no guarantee of fairness in betting practices. The partnership between the Department of Public Safety’s enforcement division and the Attorney General’s office is designed to uphold the integrity of Minnesota’s gaming industry and safeguard consumers.
Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General:
Online platforms offering sportsbooks and casino games run by out-of-state and overseas operators may make it look as though online gambling is legal and safe in Minnesota, but let me be clear: it is not. Trying to rebrand poker chips as virtual currencies does not change the fact that these online gambling operations are unlawful. By continuing to operate online gambling sites in Minnesota, these operators are likely openly defying our state’s laws, and I will not stand for it. I want to thank Commissioner Jacobsen and the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety for partnering with my office and me on this issue.
Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:
Illegal online casinos and sweepstakes sites make big promises but deliver only risk to Minnesota consumers. Most are based outside the United States to avoid laws, regulation and enforcement measures. There’s no accountability, no protection for players and no way to know if the betting will be run fairly. Through our Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division, we will work with the Attorney General to hold these operators accountable, protect Minnesotans and ensure the integrity of Minnesota’s gaming industry.
