Washington State Issues Second Cease-and-Desist to Bovada

The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) has escalated its enforcement actions against offshore sportsbook Bovada.lv by issuing a second cease-and-desist notice. The move follows the operator’s failure to comply with the initial warning sent on January 10, 2025, and highlights ongoing concerns over illegal gambling operations in the state.

According to a WSGC spokesperson, Bovada continues to allow Washington residents “the opportunity to stake something of value on future contingent events for the opportunity to receive something of value, which meets the definition of gambling.” The commission has confirmed that this activity constitutes a violation of state law, including a Class C felony for transmitting gambling information over the internet.

The commission’s investigation found that Bovada’s operations violate several sections of Washington law. By accepting wagers and fees from residents, Bovada collects unlawful debt in violation of RCW 9A.82.045, and transmitting gambling information online breaches RCW 9.46.240, constituting a Class C felony.

The WSGC warns that participating in unlicensed sportsbooks exposes players to significant financial and personal risks. Consumers’ funds may be withheld, lost, or misused, and sensitive personal information could be compromised. The commission emphasizes that legitimate gambling in Washington is only permitted through Tribal casinos authorized to conduct sports wagering under tribal-state gaming compacts.

Bovada is not the only operator under scrutiny. Washington has issued cease-and-desist notices to 15 unlicensed platforms offering gambling in the state, including offshore sportsbooks such as Betonline.ag, betanysports.eu, BetUS.com.pa, and MyBookie.ag, along with prediction markets like PropSwap and WagerWire, which allow users to buy and sell sports betting tickets.

In most states, Bovada has responded to similar enforcement by restricting access for residents in those jurisdictions. For example, it has blocked users in 17 states plus Washington D.C. However, in Washington, the operator has continued its services despite repeated warnings. Tennessee’s Sports Wagering Council previously fined Bovada $50,000 for ignoring cease-and-desist orders, though it is unclear whether the penalty was collected.

In addition to Bovada, the WSGC is closely observing Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based prediction platform. The commission initially sent Polymarket a cease-and-desist notice in February 2021, as the company was accepting American customers in violation of regulations. Since then, Polymarket has acquired QCEX, a CFTC-licensed exchange and clearinghouse, and announced in September 2025 that it has been cleared by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to offer “legal sports betting” in all 50 states.

Despite this development, the WSGC maintains that “prediction markets that allow wagers on sports, politics, etc.” remain unauthorized in Washington. The commission will continue monitoring legal proceedings and potential future cases to ensure compliance with state gambling laws.

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The WSGC has stated that it will explore further enforcement options against Bovada if the operator continues to ignore its directives. This may include collaboration with federal authorities and law enforcement in other states to achieve a resolution. The commission continues to urge residents to use only legally sanctioned sportsbooks and casino platforms to safeguard their funds and personal data.

Source:

WSGC Issues Second Cease and Desist Notice to Bovada.lv, wsgc.wa.gov, September 19, 2025