FGC Demands Overseas Bookmakers and Casinos Cease Their Illegal Online Gambling Operations in Florida

FGCC sent cease-and-desist letters to Milvus Ltc, d/b/a BetUS.com.pa, Harp Media B.V. d/b/a Bovada.lv, and Gaming Services Provider, N.V. d/b/a MyBookie.ag. The websites operated by these overseas bookmakers and casinos only offer illegal wagers. 

“Gaming, both land-based and online, is strictly regulated in Florida. For example, when it comes to slot machine gaming, 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 fourteen legal slot machine businesses in Florida,” explained Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Ross Marshman. “The only online sportsbook operating lawfully in Florida is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock Bet. Anyone in Florida betting on the Big Game needs to know this. Bettor beware.” 

These overseas bookmakers and casinos' illegal conduct is not limited to sports betting and horse racing. As explained in the FGCC cease-and-desist letter: [The gambling website offered by the overseas bookmaking and casino operation] offers or accepts wagers on casino-style games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. It is a criminal offense to conduct unauthorized games of chance. §§ 849.08, .15, Fla. Stat. [Additionally,] you allow Florida residents to participate in illegal lotteries, such as deposit-matching promotions, giveaways of cash or prizes, and sign-up bonuses. 

The conduct, promotion, or advertisement of such an illegal lottery is strictly prohibited under Florida law and is a felony offense. See Art. X, § 7, Fla. Const; § 849.09, Fla. Stat. Illegal gambling operations offer no benefits to Floridians.

On the other hand, tax revenue from state-licensed slot machine businesses and revenue-sharing payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida are used to fund valuable state programs. For example, in 2024, the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of Florida received over $240 million in tax revenue from the eight state-licensed slot machine businesses. 

Florida will receive no less than $2.5 billion from the Seminole Tribe of Florida during the next five years, which is earmarked for water quality improvement, infrastructure, and management of Florida’s conservation lands. A map of authorized locations is available at FLGaming.gov/locations. 

The mission of the Florida Gaming Control Commission is to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities in Florida through fair regulation, licensing, effective criminal investigation, and enforcement. 

Any concerns about illegal gambling activities or facilities in Florida can be reported online at FLGaming.gov/File-aReport, by email at Contact@FLGaming.gov, or by phone at 850-880-3433.