Sweepstakes operator Sportzino exits Tennessee after cease-and-desist order
Social gaming site Sportzino has shut down its sweepstakes-style sports betting operations after receiving a cease-and-desist order from the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council.
This order follows a crackdown by the Sports Wagering Council, which issued similar notices to offshore operator Bovada in November of last year and social casino and sportsbook Legendz in April.
The agency issued fines totaling US$250,000 to five illegal offshore operators in July and has collected US$600,000 from 12 illegal sportsbooks.
Tennessee is the largest online-only sports betting market in the US. During the last tax year, US$5.6 billion was wagered through online sportsbooks licensed by the state.
Sports Wagering Council Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas said, “Offering sports wagering in Tennessee is a taxable privilege, and we’re exploring every tool available to us as regulators in our effort to shut down illegal sportsbooks. Licensed sportsbooks offer critical consumer protections that unlicensed operators do not, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in this effort.”
In a notice, the Sports Wagering Council stressed to bettors in Tennessee that just because a sportsbook can be accessed, it does not mean it is operating legally in Tennessee.
Abi Bray brings strong researching skills to the forefront of all of her writing, whether it’s the newest slots, industry trends or the ever changing legislation across the U.S, Asia and Australia, she maintains a keen eye for detail and a passion for reporting.
Verticals:
Sectors:
Topics:
