Bovada, an offshore and unregulated sportsbook and casino operator, has ceased operations in Michigan and Colorado. This decision comes after the respective gaming regulators in both states issued legal notices to the parent company, Harp Media B.V., demanding the cessation of its activities.

Regulatory Actions in Michigan and Colorado

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada on May 29. The board gave Harp Media B.V., based in Willemstad, Curaçao, 14 days to stop Michigan residents from accessing their gambling services or face legal repercussions. The MGCB cited violations of several Michigan gaming laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. The board warned that operating unlicensed gambling services in the state could result in imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

Colorado followed suit shortly after Michigan. Although the exact date of Colorado’s notice is not specified, the state also issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, prompting the operator to add Colorado to its list of restricted states.

Expanding List of Restricted States

As of June 20, Bovada updated its Terms & Conditions to exclude residents of Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, and Colorado. Bovada has complied with direct orders from state regulators to cease operations in these states, but it remains illegal across the entire United States under the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act. The offshore operator only exits state markets when explicitly instructed by regulatory authorities.

Lisa Keith, the public information officer for the MGCB, emphasized the board’s vigilance: “The Michigan Gaming Control Board is encouraged to see that Bovada has now identified Michigan as a restricted state on their website. While this is a good indication that they are taking our cease-and-desist letter seriously, we will continue to closely monitor the status of their offerings in Michigan and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.”

Potential Connecticut Exit

Connecticut could be the next state to see Bovada’s exit. The state’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issued a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V. on June 14, threatening criminal and civil penalties if the operator does not halt its illegal online gambling services. The DCP’s letter highlighted the violations of state law and required Bovada to allow Connecticut residents to withdraw their funds.

Kaitlyn Krasselt, DCP Communications Director, confirmed the issuance of the cease-and-desist letter: “There are only three companies licensed to operate in Connecticut: DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel, including Mohegan Sun Casino powered by FanDuel Group.”

Massachusetts Considering Action

Massachusetts is also contemplating measures against Bovada. During a June 12 meeting, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) discussed potential actions but did not reach a decision. The commission is aware of the enforcement actions taken by Michigan and Colorado, and Commissioner Nakisha Skinner proposed a formal assessment to determine the necessary steps. MGC Chair Jordan Maynard agreed, indicating that the matter could soon be on the agenda for a public meeting.

Chris Cylke, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the American Gaming Association, stated: “Successful enforcement actions against Bovada by Michigan and Colorado are proof that states have tools to fight back against offshore operators and should serve as blueprints for other states to follow. But states should not have to take on this battle alone – the DOJ [Department of Justice]

must also use its powers to aid the fight against illegal gambling, which Congress has clearly identified as a department priority.”

Source:

Bovada now restricted in Michigan and Colorado after cease-and-desists, sbcamericas.com June 21, 2024.

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Colorado’s Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC) has greenlit the trial of fixed-odds horse wagering in the state. Voted last month, the measure would allow gambling companies to offer fixed odds products for two years.

This would see Colorado as the second state besides New Jersey to offer fixed-odds betting on horse races. The move comes after years of intense efforts to get fixed odds approved. A number of operators in the state have already expressed their support of the measure.

Colorado initially allowed companies to request permission to offer fixed-odds betting on horse races in 2022. While that measure was set to expire in November this year, the new rule, approved on November 16, would instead expire in 24 months.

During that time, gambling operators are expected to request permission to offer fixed odds on horse races.

Bally’s Is Optimistic about Fixed-Odds Betting

For reference, fixed-odds horse racing allows customers to lock in their odds, potentially capitalizing on some very beneficial offers. Fixed odds do not change based on betting volume, unlike traditional pari-mutuel betting.

Fixed odds are a fairly new concept in the United States and provide high rollers with a sense of security. While the winnings of a pari-mutuel bet are subject to change depending on how many players make the same bet, fixed-odds betting will always provide the same winnings.

Thanks to this, players can wager with confidence, instead of waiting until the last possible minute to place their wagers.

At the moment, America’s biggest operators do not offer fixed-odds horse racing. Experts believe that emerging companies are more likely to explore the vertical than their established counterparts.

However, Bally’s recently wrote an open letter to the LGCC, praising it for greenlighting a trial period for fixed-odds wagering on horse races. The casino corporation believes that the new vertical would allow Colorado’s sportsbooks to capitalize on an expanded audience of fans and an increased betting volume.

The company seems to be convinced of the success of fixed-odds betting and optimistic about what it would bring to the table.

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Sports betting operator Novig has formed a new partnership with Intelitics. Under the deal, the performance specialist will power Novig’s affiliate programs and paid channels. The operator will also secure access to the provider’s award-winning platform and product and feature suite.

The agreement comes ahead of Novig’s launch in Colorado and will help it manage all affiliate and paid media activity. Thanks to this, the operator will be able to channel more players toward its platform and reinforce its acquisition and retention rates.

Intelitics’ platform offers state-of-the-art real-time campaign monitoring and player tracking in addition to automated reporting and personalized dashboards. All data is delivered in real-time through a single platform, providing its clients with unparalleled convenience.

Novig will hit the Colorado market as an online sportsbook, as agreed with the Colorado Division of Gaming. However, the operator’s true ambition is to launch a high-frequency betting exchange in the future, allowing players to set their own odds.

Novig Is a Tech Company at Heart

Intelitics’ chief executive officer, Allan Stone, commented on the agreement, saying that Novig is about to disrupt the Colorado online sports betting market with best-in-class markets and products. Stone added that his team is thrilled to be supporting the operator’s customer acquisition efforts through affiliates and paid media.

Our platform and suite of tools have been designed to allow operators such as Novig to maximize the potential of affiliates and paid media through real-time data that provides the insights needed to dial up successful campaigns and dial down those that are not working.

Allan Stone, CEO, Intelitics

Stone concluded that this is “another great partnership” for his team and one that will prove Novig’s potential and ambitions.

Meanwhile, Catherine Dougherty, Novig’s head of growth marketing, said that Novig and Intelitics are a perfect match.

We are a technology company at heart and in Intelitics we have a partner that understands the power of technology and data when it comes to effective affiliate marketing and paid media.

Catherine Dougherty, head of growth marketing, Novig

Dougherty praised Intelitics’ highly capable platform and toolset and said that they will be integral to driving new customer acquisition at scale and for a fraction of the cost of other marketing channels. Dougherty concluded that this would provide Novig with a huge boost in Colorado.

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Novig, an innovative sports betting market that seeks to redefine the wagering sector, has been greenlit to launch in Colorado by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Now boasting an Internet Sports Betting Operator license, the company will be able to make a foray into the lucrative US market.

Colorado will notably be Novig’s first state. The company plans to launch there next month in partnership with Full House Resorts and its Bronco Billy’s Casino property in Cripple Creek.

Coloradoans will soon be able to experience Novig and its exciting wagering markets. The Noivg app will be available to both iOS and Android users, providing players with tons of betting excitement at their fingertips.

However, at least initially, Novig will serve as a regular sports betting operator, instead of as an exchange. Should the CLGC greenlight exchange wagering, Novig plans to launch its flagship exchange wagering options in the state as well.

At first, the Novig app in Colorado will offer wagering options for some of the biggest leagues in North America, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF and NCAAB. The company plans to further diversify the markets it offers in the state in 2024.

Novig Looking Forward to Launching in Colorado

Jacob Fortinsky, Novig’s co-founder and chief executive officer, commented on the launch in Colorado, praising it as a major development for his company. He thanked the Colorado Division of Gaming for its incredible help throughout the entire licensing process.

Fortinsky added:

We’re committed to building an unparalleled, community-led betting experience, and we look forward to becoming the go-to destination for sports fanatics and sharp bettors alike.

Jacob Fortinsky, co-founder & CEO, Novig

Founded by Fortinsky and Kelechi Ukah, Novig is backed by a number of major investors, including Joe Montana, Lux Capital and Y Combinator. Novig hopes that exchange wagering will secure approval from the CLGC, allowing the company to launch the first commission-free, high-frequency sports betting exchange in Colorado.

A month ago, Novig forged a new comprehensive agreement with US Integrity, a leading technology-driven sports betting monitoring company. This move proved Novig’s desire to fortify the foundational elements of its products and protect the integrity of the sports betting sector.

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PlayAGS, a leading supplier of casino products and services, announced that it has secured approval to launch its portfolio of high-performing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and table games in two new US jurisdictions. According to the announcement, the provider will now be able to supply products to casino operators in the states of Colorado and Missouri.

The launch in these two jurisdictions will help PlayAGS expand its presence in the United States, in line with the company’s ambition to become the go-to gaming supplier in North America.

The entrance into these two new jurisdictions follows the launch of the provider’s cutting-edge portrait cabinet Spectra UR43.  PlayAGS’ latest state-of-the-art machine features the beloved Triple Coin Treasures games, a series of titles proven to resonate with American consumers.

Triple Coin Treasures will be some of the first products PlayAGS will launch in Colorado and Missouri, allowing local fans to see what the fuss is all about. According to PlayAGS, fans will be able to find Triple Coin Treasures in a selection of Colorado casinos, including Century Casino & Hotel Central City, Golden Nugget Cripple Creek and Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk. Missouri fans, on the other hand, should seek PlayAGS’ titles at Horseshoe St. Louis, River City Casino Hotel, Hollywood Casino St. Louis, Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa, Harrah’s Kansas City, Bally’s Kansas City Casino and Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City.

PlayAGS Is Excited to Offer Premium Products to More US Players

AGS’ senior vice president and general manager of slots, Mark DeDeaux, commented on the launches in Colorado and Missouri, saying that the new licenses form a “meaningful piece of AGS’ overall growth strategy.” They follow a recent expansion of PlayAGS’ team and an expansion of the company’s overall global presence.

DeDeaux concluded that his team is looking forward to engaging players in the new states with exciting gaming products:

We are pleased to be able to offer our high-performing, chart-topping new products to customers in both the Colorado and Missouri markets.

Mark DeDeaux, SVP & general manager of slots, AGS

In the meantime, PlayAGS continues to grow, as demonstrated by the company’s recent financial results. In early August, the supplier published its Q2 2023 results, reporting record-breaking revenue of $89.8 million. The company continues to see its metrics increase across the board, attesting to the efficiency of its business strategy.

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The Colorado Division of Gaming (DOG) has launched a new statewide self-exclusion scheme, providing locals with a way to control their gambling habits. In line with Colorado’s responsible gambling rules, the program allows locals to be excluded from all regulated gambling in the state.

As a result, excluded persons will be unable to access online sports betting and will not be allowed to enter casinos and sportsbooks in Colorado.

Coloradoans who wish to exclude themselves from gambling can do so for a period of one year, three years or five years. Consumers can sign up for the program by applying online, submitting an application form via email or mail, or applying in person.

Excluded individuals will not be automatically removed from the exclusion list even after the exclusion period ends. Individuals who wish to be removed from the list will have to file a request.

DOG Called the Scheme an “Exciting Advancement”

The launch of the new self-exclusion scheme is in line with Limited Gaming Rule 29 and Sports Betting Rule 9, which introduced new responsible gaming duties and requirements for casino and sports betting operators in the state.

The rules also established the DOG as the custodian of the self-exclusion list. Prior to the launch of the current program, self-exclusion in the Centennial State was managed by the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC).

DOG director Christopher Schroder commented on the launch of the new self-exclusion scheme, highlighting the division’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling across Colorado. He called the launch of the program an “exciting advancement” for the state.

Schroder also thanked the PGCC for everything it has done so far, praising the organization as a reliable ally.

We appreciate all of the work that the PGCC has done to get the Self-Exclusion program to this point. They are an excellent partner in this important work.

Christopher Schroder, director, Colorado Division of Gaming

The regulator hopes to establish a modern tech-driven website that would make self-exclusion easier and more intuitive for customers in Colorado. The DOG is planning to work on this site over the next year.

In the meantime, the division said that the self-exclusion list has now been disseminated to gambling industry bodies across Colorado, allowing them to turn down self-excluded individuals.

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Sporttrade, a Philadelphia-based sports betting operator, has forayed into Colorado, its second state. Players in the Centennial State can now try out the company’s exceptional and differentiated sports betting products.

Marketed as a fairer operator than its competitors, Sporttrade continues to demonstrate impressive growth. The launch in Colorado, a state known for its passionate bettors, will provide the company with new opportunities to expand. For reference, Coloradans have wagered a whopping $12 billion on sports since 2020.

In addition to its fair approach, Sporttrade is further differentiated thanks to its reliable odds, impressive liquidity and cutting-edge in-play experience.

In 2022, Sporttrade was also the first US operator to pair extremely high uptime and zero delays for in-play markets, further underpinning its vision to bring excellent gaming experiences to fans.

Sporttrade Seeks to Replicate Its New Jersey Success

Alex Kane, Sporttrade’s founder and chief executive officer, commented on the launch, saying that his team is “privileged” to introduce the brand to yet another state.

Our launch today proves that Sporttrade can operate in any jurisdiction, with the same great features our customers have come to know us for; instant in-play betting, great prices, awesome liquidity, and the ability to always trade in and out of bets at fair value.

Alex Kane, founder & CEO, Sporttrade

Kane thanked the Colorado Division of Gaming, which cleared his company for launch. He also thanked his reliable and hard-working team and all the customers who continue to play with Sporttrade.

Roger Brown, a representative of GF Gaming, Spottrade’s strategic partner, also commented on the matter. He lauded Spottrade’s achievements and successful launch in New Jersey and said that he is optimistic about extending the partnership to Colorado.

Providing a better odds experience for the player is what GF Gaming has always been about, and Sporttrade brings that same priority to the sports betting market in Colorado.

Roger Brown, general manager, GF Gaming & Easy Street Casino

Last year, Sporttrade became one of the members of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), a global industry body seeking to protect the sports and sports betting sectors from fraud and manipulation. The move further highlighted Sporttrade’s commitment to integrity and fair play.

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PlayUp announced it would temporarily shut down its operations in New Jersey after the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) issued an order revoking the transactional waivers allowing the company to conduct sports wagering in the state. The following shutdown of PlayUp’s Colorado website and platform meant the operator no longer offered its services in the USA, further degrading its prospects.

The Operator Failed to Meet Requirements

The DGE’s decision resulted from PlayUp’s inability to provide the regulator with financial details related to its New Jersey operations. While the company complied with some requirements, it failed to present certain requested bank statements and financial information. PlayUp ignored the DGE’s initial warnings, only partially complying after the regulator threatened to revoke its license.

Several other concerns further compounded PlayUp’s unfavorable position, causing the DGE to revoke the transactional waivers allowing the operator to offer its services in New Jersey. The regulator noted that the company’s outstanding invoices, lack of leadership, and inability to comply with standards were sufficient cause to revoke its license. 

PlayUp is not permitted to transact any new internet gaming or sports wagering-related business with any New Jersey casino or racetrack.

DGE official letter to PlayUp

PlayUp must still honor its existing wagers and allow New Jersey customers to withdraw funds. The DGE’s letter states that the operator can reapply for a license anytime, following New Jersey’s existing regulations. However, the company’s dwindling US staff makes such prospects highly unlikely in the short term, meaning clients must search for another sportsbook.

PlayUp May Entirely Exit the US Market

Shortly after PlayUp’s shutdown in New Jersey, the operator suspended its services in Colorado, its remaining active US jurisdiction. The company contacted the Colorado Division of Gaming, requesting to put its app and website into maintenance mode, suspending active betting and customer deposits. Customers may still withdraw funds, but PlayUp did not disclose when its services would return online.

Such developments do not bode well for PlayUp’s US expansion plans. The operator recently withdrew its application for an Ohio sports betting license after allegations of illegal wagering. Although the company’s website states that PlayUp Iowa is “coming soon,” such prospects have mostly diminished. PlayUp CEO Daniel Simic noted that the company would slash its US division employees from 40 to 10- another worrying sign.

PlayUp suspending its New Jersey and Colorado operations may be the final nail in the embattled company’s US expansion plans. Its failed NASDAQ listing, $35 million investment from failed crypto exchange FTX and middling presence in its home Australian market pose significant challenges. As its exit from the US market looms close, PlayUp must adapt, restructure its operations and recover from its streak of setbacks.

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A few days after expanding its roster of partners with Hard Rock Digital, Simplebet unveiled another partnership agreement, this time with ClutchBet, a mobile-first sportsbook. Under the agreement, Simplebet, a global specialist in micro-betting products and technology, will provide the operator with short-form wagering offerings.

The current deal is focused on Iowa and Colorado and will provide local players with access to Simplebet’s engaging micro-betting content across a vast range of popular sports.

The micro-betting products Simplebet offers allow punters to place wagers on the outcomes of small incidents during sports games. A single game can have hundreds of opportunities for micro-bets, which engages players by providing constant trills and new betting opportunities.

Micro-betting examples include moments, such as which team will score next or whether a specific player will get a hit in their next at-bat. Simplebet offers such products for leagues such as the NFL, NBA and the MLB, as well as for college football and college basketball. Its products are tested and proven to boost engagement for sportsbooks that wish to add exciting micro-bets to their libraries.

ClutchBet Is Happy to Enhance Its Library with Micro-Betting

By adopting Simplebet’s micro-bets, ClutchBet will get to provide its players with an unparalleled selection of sports betting opportunities. The addition of micro-bets, which are an increasingly popular form of wagering, reflects ClutchBet’s desire to keep things fresh and always offer best-in-class products.

ClutchBet prides itself on being a cutting-edge sportsbook developed using proprietary tech. The operator is focused on Iowa and Colorado, delivering impressive localized betting markets, products and odds to local players. In addition to that, the sportsbook has a white-labeled sportsbook solution that allows its partners to benefit from its tested technology.

Jake Francis, Clutchbet’s senior vice president of operations, commented on the agreement, emphasizing that his company desires to keep on delivering best-in-class betting to its customers. Because of that, he is excited to bring Simplebet’s thrilling micro-betting products to Iowans and Coloradoans.

ClutchBet is committed to delivering the most innovative betting experience, and we’re excited to offer ClutchBet players in Iowa and Colorado the opportunity to more deeply engage with their favorite teams and players both locally and worldwide.

Jake Francis, SVP of operations, Clutchbet

Meanwhile, Chris Bevilacqua, Simplebet’s chief executive officer, said that his company’s short-form content continues to disrupt the sector.

Our short-form betting products are redefining the digital sports experience and we’re thrilled to be partnering with ClutchBet to offer these engaging markets to their users.

Chris Bevilacqua, CEO, Simplebet

In April, Simplebet also partnered with Amelco, bringing more micro-betting content to US customers.

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The person in question, Juan Gutierrez-Zambrano, 31, was already charged on May 2 with theft of $100,000 to $1 million and his bail has been set at $525,000, according to court documents.

The Man Who Took the Money in the Parking Lot in March

The theft at Monarch Casino, Black Hawk happened on March 12 and was an interesting one as it was bizarre. On the day of the heist – but do not think of it as guns blazing – a cashier, Sabrina Eddy, removed ten bricks of $50,000 each from the casino’s vault and drove away in her minivan.

She was going to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood where she met with a second suspect. Eddy was quickly apprehended over the theft and questioned over her involvement but she said that a person, introducing themselves as a “casino boss,” had called and requested the speedy delivery of the money lest the casino ends up in a “breach of contract.”

Following her arrest and questioning, Eddy was finally released, but she too faces the same charge of theft of $100,000 to $1 million. Now, the documents indicate that Gutierrez-Zambrano is the second suspect in the case, and he is indeed the person to have received the money at the parking lot in the hospital.

There have been some inconsistencies in the versions Eddy offered as well, and this is precisely why she remains a suspect as well. For one, she insisted that the person was driving a silver Chevrolet Avalanche when she met him in the parking lot.

Evidence and Eddy’s Account Do Not Match

Security footage shows a black Trailblazer instead. Eddy was also subject to a polygraph and the police records show that she finally broke down and offered another account of the story. She was approached by former “associates” of her late husband, who threatened her and her family and said that they would hurt her family if she failed to comply.

Police tried to retrieve the money by searching Eddy’s home but no money was found there. This is the largest casino heist in the history of the state with a second suspect now facing justice and no clarity as to what happened at least not publicly available.

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