West Virginia Lottery Investigating Other Possible Illegal Sports Betting Operators in State

Sep 30, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back CJ Donaldson Jr. (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY SportsThe Director of the West Virginia Lottery Commission released a statement today on the cease-and-desist notice sent to BovadaBelieves Bovada is in clear violation of state lawsLottery is also investigating other possible violators operating in West Virginia

Bovada may not be the only illegally operating sport betting company to hear from the West Virginia Lottery soon enough.

John A. Myers, director of the West Virginia Lottery, released an official statement today on the Bovada cease-and-desist letter and noted the lottery may potentially take action against other illegally operating companies in the state.

“Our laws are designed to protect our players, and we regulate with those individuals in mind. We are currently investigating other possible violators operating in similar manners,” he said.

Future Action May Include Attorney General

Myers officially confirmed the West Virginia Lottery sent Bovada a cease-and-desist letter on June 27. The lottery believes the illegally operating offshore company violates state law by offering the three elements of a wager, which is consideration, chance, and prize.

“Any company that operates in this manner without being a licensed operator in the state poses risk to players and licensees,” Myers said.

Earlier this week, Myers told Sports Betting Dime that there has been no change in operation by Bovada in the state.

However, in the official statement released today, Myers revealed the West Virginia Lottery is investigating other possible violators operating in a similar manner in the state. No other information on what operators are being investigate was released.

“Any future actions, which could include involvement from the West Virginia Attorney General, will be determined by Bovada’s response,” he said.

Bovada Still Operational in West Virginia

Bovada is still operational in West Virginia, as well as Connecticut, despite the notices. The operator recently pulled out of both Michigan and Colorado after gaming regulators sent them notices in late May and early June.

As of July 12, Bovada has banned users from Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan and Colorado.

As noted on Bovada’s website, customers living in restricted states can only withdraw remaining funds in their accounts as cryptocurrency.