PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V., the operator of Bovada.com and Bovada.lv, accusing the company of running illegal online gambling operations accessible to Arizona residents.
The letter, sent on November 8, 2024, alleges that Bovada’s activities constitute a felony criminal enterprise in violation of Arizona gaming laws. Specifically, the ADG cites violations including:
- Promotion of Gambling – Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3303.
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise – Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2312.
- Money Laundering – Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2317.
Harp Media B.V. has been directed to immediately halt all online gambling operations targeting Arizona residents and ensure state residents are excluded from its platforms moving forward.
“We are actively monitoring the evolving landscape of online gaming and taking proactive steps to protect Arizona’s communities and economy from illegal activities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “Arizona will not be a safe haven for unlicensed or unlawful gaming, nor will we allow unlawful entities to compromise the integrity of gaming within our state.”
The ADG emphasized that legal, regulated gaming operations provide consumer protections absent in the illegal market. Residents are urged to exercise caution and only participate in state-approved online event wagering. A list of licensed operators is available at gaming.az.gov.
Reporting Illegal Gambling
The ADG encourages the public to report suspected illegal gambling activities. Complaints can be submitted via the department’s website, by calling (602) 255-3886, or by emailing [email protected]. Anonymous tips are accepted.
Arizona remains vigilant in its efforts to maintain the integrity of its gaming industry while ensuring the safety of its residents.
