Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier says the state has issued cease-and-desist letters to several major payment companies, alleging they are violating state law by providing transaction services to unauthorized gambling operators.
The payment companies named by Florida officials include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
By allowing users to deposit funds onto these offshore betting platforms through credit cards, these payment providers are indirectly supporting access to illegal gambling services. These transactions help offshore operators continue serving Florida residents despite lacking authorization to operate within the state’s regulated gaming market.
Unlicensed offshore sportsbooks bypass consumer protection rules, tax requirements, and regulatory oversight. This is problematic because by enabling users to participate at these sites through credit card funding, they are putting them at risk.
Additionally, the use of credit cards on betting platforms has long been a concern for regulators and consumer protection advocates because it allows users to gamble with borrowed money rather than funds they already have. This can increase the risk of financial harm, particularly for individuals struggling with problem gambling, as users may accumulate debt while continuing to place wagers.
Unlike debit card or bank transfers, credit card transactions provide immediate access to borrowed funds, which can make it easier for bettors to continue gambling beyond their financial limits. Several states have already banned credit cards for gambling transactions.
The state has warned that companies continuing to facilitate these payments could face additional enforcement measures if the activity is not addressed.
In a letter released by the Attorney General’s office, Florida specifically named offshore sportsbooks commonly used by residents, including Bovada, BetOnline, BetUS, SportsBetting, BetNow, and XBet. These operators rely on major payment networks to handle deposits and withdrawals, allowing them to continue accessing customers despite lacking approval to legally operate in Florida.
By issuing cease-and-desist letters to major credit card companies, the hope is that this will reduce participation in offshore sportsbooks. The goal is to keep sports betting within the regulated environment, creating a safe place for users to place wagers, while generating tax revenue for the state. Currently, the only regulated operator in Florida is Hard Rock Bet, which operates under the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact.
Florida’s latest crackdown on payment processors comes after House Bill 189 failed to become law during the 2026 legislative session. The proposed legislation would have expanded the state’s authority to combat illegal gambling by increasing penalties tied to offshore sportsbooks, unauthorized internet wagering, and gambling-related advertising.
Although HB 189 stalled, state officials appear to be pursuing similar enforcement goals through other channels. By sending cease-and-desist letters to Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, Florida is now focusing on the financial infrastructure that allows offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada and BetOnline.
The move signals that Florida regulators remain committed to restricting unlicensed online gambling, despite the failure of HB 189.
