Bovada is a US-based gambling and sports betting platform that has been online since 2011 and has been a trusted source for gaming and betting entertainment on the web. Bovada is filled with real individuals that enjoy to place a bet on a big game just as much as you and me do, so they make it their business to offer the best online sportsbook experience possible, and you can hardly find a rival.
A part from the sportsbook that’s open around the clock, Bovada also offers a detailed poker room that features popular tournaments and cash games such as No Limit Texas Hold’Em and many more. If you are looking to blow off some steam with a little slot or table game session, you will find what you are looking for at the massive Bovada betting casino, which offers a Live Dealer experience as well as hundreds of standard online games.
I can’t overlook the Bovada’s ever-popular racebook that heats up every year for the Triple Crown events and Breeders’ Cup series. It’s all here at Bovada!
Yes, Bovada is focused online on USA players; unfortunately, not all states are allowed to bet on the platform! So, if you are from the USA and want to play its games, make sure to check if your state is among the Bovada restricted states to avoid wasting your time and money. In this article, we shall reveal the Bovada restricted states online and also show you the best alternatives in case your state is among the restricted states.
Why did Bovada restrict some states?
Now, let us get real about why Bovada restrict some states from using their platform. As you may know, the US has complicated gambling laws. Every one of its state makes its own rules about online and offline gambling. And many of the states have legalized their own online sportsbooks. However,you should know that Bovada operates without a US license, so the platform is considered as an “offshore” or sometimes even illegal in certain areas.
So, some states with their own regulated betting markets may not want competition from platforms like Bovada. They usually send cease-and-desist letters, basically telling Bovada to stop extending its services to players from their states. For example, in 2025, more states cracked down because of growing legal pressure. This is all about protecting local businesses and ensuring that gambling is safe and properly taxed.
Over the years, the list of Bovada restricted states has grown. Back in the day, it was just a handful of states, but as more states launch their own betting platforms, they try to push Bovada out. It is not that Bovada wants to leave. They are being forced to because of these laws. If you try to access it from a restricted state, you may see a message stating that it is not available, or your IP address may be blocked. This can be frustrating if you are a fan, but it’s the reality of how gambling works in America.
List of Bovada Restricted States:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Nevada
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Now, the part everyone’s here for: the actual Bovada restricted states. As of September 2025, Bovada doesn’t accept players from a bunch of places. According to recent reports from June 2025, the count has reached 19 restricted areas, including states and the District of Columbia. I’ve put them in a simple table below for easy reading. Keep in mind, this can change if more states decide to restrict it, so always check the official Bovada site or reliable sources.
| State/Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Arizona | Recently added due to local regulations. |
| Colorado | Has its own strong betting market. |
| Connecticut | Restricted after cease-and-desist. |
| Delaware | One of the original restricted states. |
| District of Columbia | Treated like a state for restrictions. |
| Kansas | Added in late 2024. |
| Louisiana | Restricted amid regulatory pressure. |
| Maryland | Long-time restriction. |
| Massachusetts | Withdrew access in 2025. |
| Michigan | Strong local gambling laws. |
| Nevada | Home to Vegas, so no surprise. |
| New Hampshire | Part of the growing list. |
| New Jersey | Major betting hub with its own sites. |
| New York | Strict rules on offshore betting. |
| Ohio | Added earlier in 2025. |
| Pennsylvania | Restricted in 2024. |
| Tennessee | Withdrew in 2025. |
| West Virginia | Recent withdrawal. |
That’s the current lineup of Bovada restricted states. If you live in one of these, you can’t sign up or bet on Bovada. But in the other 33 states, it’s still accessible – though remember, even there, it’s in a legal gray area because of federal laws. Always play responsibly and check your local rules.
Why does the list keep changing?
In the last couple of years, several states told Bovada to stop operating there. After that, Bovada added those places to its restricted states list. A few examples:
- Michigan sent a cease‑and‑desist letter on May 29, 2024; afterwards, Bovada stopped taking Michigan customers.
- Colorado was added around the same time, following state pressure.
- Kansas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania were added in September 2024.
- West Virginia users were disabled in July 2024 after a regulator letter.
- Massachusetts acted in October 2024; Bovada later restricted access there.
- Tennessee confirmed Bovada shut down in the state in November 2024.
- Arizona was added in December 2024 after a regulator notice.
- Ohio joined the list in August 2024 following a formal letter from the Casino Control Commission.
These actions are part of a wider push by U.S. regulators and attorneys general to curb offshore gambling sites.
What Bovada itself says about restricted states
Bovada’s Terms of Service warn that if your account is accessed from a restricted state, your access can be revoked and your balance may be considered void. They also say you must tell them if you plan to relocate to or visit a restricted state. In short: don’t try to work around the rules.
Bovada’s Help Center adds that if you live in a restricted state and still have money in your account, you should contact Customer Service to arrange a crypto withdrawal.
FAQ:
What are “Bovada restricted states”?
They’re U.S. states (plus Washington, D.C.) where Bovada says it won’t let people play. The current list is just above.
Why are some states restricted?
Usually because a regulator told Bovada to stop operating there (a “cease‑and‑desist” letter). After that, Bovada adds the state to its restricted list. See the examples in Michigan, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Arizona, and Ohio.
Can I travel with a Bovada account?
If you enter a restricted state, Bovada can block access. Their terms say you’re supposed to tell them if you plan to visit or move to a restricted state.
I’m in a restricted state but I still have money in my account—what now?
Bovada says to contact support and they can arrange a withdrawal (often via cryptocurrency).
A note on conflicting lists you might see online
Some third‑party trackers show a shorter list (for example, one recent roundup listed 14 blocked states instead of the 17 states plus D.C. that Bovada lists). The important thing is that Bovada’s own Help page is the source Bovada enforces. If a blog disagrees with Bovada’s page, rely on Bovada’s page. Odds Assist+1
How to check the latest status (the easy way)
- Go to Bovada’s Help Center and search for “Which Countries are Restricted?”
- Confirm whether your state appears in the list.
- If you’re affected and still have a balance, reach out to Bovada support about withdrawing. Bovada
What If You’re in a Restricted State? Alternatives and Tips
If you’re bummed because your state is on the Bovada restricted states list, don’t worry – there are options. Many restricted states have their own legal betting apps. For example, in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, you can use sites like DraftKings or FanDuel.
They’re regulated, which means your money is safer, and you might even get better odds or bonuses. In Colorado, BetMGM is popular. Just search for “legal sports betting in [your state]” to find what’s available.
If you really want something like Bovada, look into other offshore sites, but be careful – they’re not always trustworthy. Use a VPN? Some people try, but Bovada blocks those, and it’s against their rules. Plus, it could get you in trouble. The best advice? Stick to what’s legal where you are. Gambling should be fun, not stressful.
List of Bovada Alternatives:
Final thoughts
Laws and enforcement around online betting keep changing, which is why Bovada restricted states change too. If you’re unsure, check Bovada’s Help page on the day you plan to play. And remember: don’t try to bypass restrictions—Bovada’s terms say they can close your account and you might lose your money if you do. This article is for information only and isn’t legal advice.
If you’d like, tell me the state you’re curious about and I’ll point you to the current, legal options available there.