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Best Legal Alternatives to Sites Like Bovada

Mike J. DaviesBy Mike J. Davies Editor in Chief at Casinos.US Updated: 07/31/2024
Mike J. Davies Mike J. Davies Editor in Chief at Casinos.US See Full Bio

Mike is our Senior Editor and experienced gambling strategist. A former hockey player, he transitioned to the casino industry after finishing his B.A. in English. Blackjack systems, online casino guides, gambling terms, and more – Mike is familiar with all fine points of gambling.

A collage featuring the American flag, gambling elements, and a scale. The Top Legal Sites Like Bovada Accepting US Players

With regulators in New Jersey, Michigan, as well as a number of other states taking legal action against Bovada’s unregulated operations, the brand is starting to close player accounts. If you are looking for a trusted alternative, I’ll run you through best sites like Bovada, all licensed and regulated by local state authorities.

Summary

Bovada, an offshore gambling site, has been a go-to place for many US gamblers for years. The home page of the site has been welcoming visitors from the country, stating that playing at offshore casinos from the United States is not illegal, which we all know is not true. You should know that the site is not supervised by any of the state regulators and doesn’t have legal approval to operate in the country.

That brought the company under investigation, and many legal challenges from various state gaming commissions followed. Recently, states have begun taking legal steps to ban Bovada within their jurisdictions due to its unlicensed status and potential risks to players.

Bovada Disabled My Account – What Now?

Recently, many users have asked the same question “why was my Bovada account disabled?”. That was an intentional measure issued by some states as they sent out cease-and-desist letters to the operator. This move is part of a broader effort by state regulators to crack down on unregulated and offshore gambling sites like Bovada.

Currently, eight states have taken action against the casino, including Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, Colorado, and West Virginia. These states have cited violations of local gaming laws and the potential risks posed to players by unlicensed operators.

If you find yourself in a situation where your Bovada account has been disabled, it’s important to understand that this is a result of regulatory actions aimed at protecting consumers. You should only play at legal online casinos, as they adhere to state laws and responsible gambling practices.

Alternatives to Bovada in New Jersey

New Jersey has the most extensive legal online casino industry in the United States. When your Bovada account is disabled, you can continue gambling at a reputable alternative such as bet365. bet365 offers both high-payout games as well as a selection of Megaways slots.

Another online casino suitable for seasoned gamblers as well as first-timers is Stardust. You can start with a solid welcome package that offers more than 560 casino games. Both Bet365 and Stardust are fully licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, meaning you can deposit and play there legally.

Alternatives to Bovada in Pennsylvania

Unlike the other states included here, Pennsylvania hasn’t yet taken legal action against Bovada, though it’s not regulated nor safe to play there. With plenty of licensed alternatives, I recommend taking your gambling elsewhere. For example, a legal casino site like Jackpot City offers more than 500 high-payout and mobile-friendly games, all the while supporting all popular payment methods and maintaining excellent customer support.

Another site trusted by many is Borgata, with a selection of games provided by NetEnt, IGT, WMS, and other top developers. The current offer for new players gets you started with a considerable deposit match and a complimentary bonus on sign-up.

Sites Like Bovada in Michigan

Michigan also allows legal online casinos, making it easier for residents to find gambling sites like Bovada, but regulated. PokerStars is a safe choice in Michigan, with the fairness of its games ensured by eCOGRA. You can find the latest jackpot games featured there and explore a wide range of additional gambling options.

Both the PokerStars and BetRivers platforms are suitable for players looking for the best Bovada alternative in Michigan. Still, the latter shines through with the larger selection of video poker and interesting card games.

Bovada Alternatives in West Virginia

West Virginia is yet another state that allows access to viable legal Bovada alternatives. The state legalized online gambling in 2019 to permit online casino games to licensed operators. One of the major players with a proven track record in the state is BetMGM, currently hosting more than 600 gambling games of which 500+ are slots.

Another excellent choice of a licensed platform is Caesars Palace Online Casino, regularly surprising players with loyalty rewards and bonus codes. Both sites are licensed by the West Virginia Lottery Commission and are known for strictly adhering to regulation and fair play requirements.

Gambling Sites like Bovada in Nevada

Online casinos are not legal in Nevada. However, WSOP.com is a great alternative for online poker players; when AB 114 was signed into law, online poker became a legal to play online nn the state.

This legislation enabled regulated online poker in Nevada and set the stage for major operators such as WSOP.com to offer a premier online poker experience with various tournaments and cash games. In addition to that, the brand’s app is available on Android and iOS. As a trusted and reputable platform, it is an excellent online poker alternative to sites like Bovada.

Best Bovada Alternative in Delaware

Though a smaller market, Delaware is another state that has legalized online casinos. Our top recommendation for those looking for an alternative to Bovada is BetRivers. The casino offers an extensive game collection as well as accepts a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods. Some of the most played games there include Atlantic City Blackjack Multihand, Blackjack Xchange, SH Sidebet Blackjack, and Single-Deck Blackjack.

Conclusion

States are increasingly taking action against Bovada due to its unlicensed status and the potential risks this can lead to. Regulatory bodies in states like New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Nevada, and Delaware have demanded the deactivation of accounts. We always recommend that gamblers avoid unregulated casinos and sportsbooks. With many licensed alternatives such as those identified above, it’s not worth the risk.

FAQ

Is Bovada legal in the US?

No, Bovada operates without a license in the US, making it illegal in all states. This has led to increased scrutiny and legal actions from various state regulators. Even if your Bovada account has not been suspended yet, you should seek a legal alternative.

Can Bovada legally disable my account?

Yes, Bovada can disable accounts, especially in response to state authorities' regulatory actions. When the company is bound by law to close, it has no other choice but to deactivate players' accounts.

What are the best alternatives to Bovada?

Some of the legal alternatives to Bovada include bet365 and Stardust in New Jersey, PokerStars and BetRivers in Michigan, BetMGM and Caesars Palace in West Virginia, WSOP in Nevada, and BetRivers in Delaware. These platforms are licensed and regulated in the respective states.

What is the difference between regulated and unregulated casinos?

Licensed casinos are regulated and monitored by state authorities, which is why they are considered fair and transparent. Non-compliant sites such as Bovada are not legally bound to pay players their winnings or abide by state user-protection policies.

What should I do if I'm not in a state with licensed online casinos?

If you are not in a state with licensed online casinos, consider traveling to neighboring states for gambling tourism or exploring other entertainment options that comply with local laws such as social casinos.
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