Pennsylvania Immediately Bans Bovada After Little League World Series Scandal

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has banned Bovada, an offshore betting site, after it was discovered that the platform was taking bets on the Little League World Series.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada after Little League World Series

The PGCB issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada upon learning that the offshore site was offering betting lines on the Little League World Series. This action aligns with the state’s broader strategy to eliminate illegal gambling.

Additionally, the PGCB’s enforcement actions were supported by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of Attorney General. These agencies collaborated to ensure that Bovada complied with the cease-and-desist order.

The PGCB’s Office of Enforcement Counsel stepped in shortly thereafter. PGCB Communications Director, Doug Harbach, explained the process that led to Bovada’s removal to PlayPennsylvania.

“The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s Office of Enforcement Counsel did send Bovada a cease-and-desist letter at the end of August,” Harbach’s message reads.

“Because the letter came from the Board’s investigative and enforcement unit and their work is accomplished confidentially and separate from the other areas of the agency, the letter is not available for release, and we are not commenting further [on] the matter.”

PGCB can only refer illegal operators to the appropriate authorities

Furthermore, Harbach explained to Bonus.com last month that the PGCB does “not have law enforcement authority” to ban Bovada. It can only refer the matter “to the appropriate authorities.”

Although the PGCB cannot shut down Bovada, it appears the offshore site did comply with the cease-and-desist letter. Pennsylvania is one of several states that have sent cease-and-desist letters to Bovada, including Kansas and Louisiana most recently.

The ban also sends a strong message to other illegal operators that Pennsylvania is serious about enforcing its gambling laws. Bovada’s ban could prevent other illegal platforms from attempting to enter the market. That could potentially lead to increased revenue for legal operators.