The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Harp Media B.V., the Curaçao-based operator of Bovada, accusing the company of running illegal online gambling platforms accessible to Arizona residents. The ADG alleges Bovada’s activities constitute a “felony criminal enterprise” under state law.
Harp Media has been instructed to immediately stop all gambling operations targeting Arizona and to block state residents from accessing its websites.
The ADG asserts that Bovada has violated multiple Arizona gaming laws, including:
- Promotion of Gambling (Felony): Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3303.
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise (Felony): Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2312.
- Money Laundering (Felony): Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2317.
“The evolving landscape of online gaming requires proactive measures to protect Arizona’s communities and economy from illegal activities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG.
This is not the first time Harp Media has come under scrutiny. In May, the Michigan Gaming Control Board also issued a cease-and-desist order against the company for similar allegations of illegal gambling.
“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,” she said.
While certain forms of online event wagering are legal and regulated in Arizona, the ADG is urging residents to engage only with licensed operators listed on its official website. It also encourages the public to report any suspected illegal gambling activities.
