Florida Targets Offshore Casinos Through Payment Crackdown

Summary:

• Florida has issued cease-and-desist letters to big payment processors over transactions linked to offshore gambling sites.
• Authorities say processors are helping unlicensed gambling operators serve Florida customers.
• The move is part of a broader crackdown that has already led to arrests and seizures.

Florida is not resting in its campaign against offshore casinos and sportsbooks, this time targeting payment companies that process transactions for unauthorized gambling operators.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that cease-and-desist letters had been sent to major payment providers, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

The state alleges that these companies are facilitating payments for offshore gambling sites that are not licensed to operate in Florida.

According to Uthmeier, payment processors that continue to support such transactions could face legal consequences under Florida law, including potential action under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

Uthmeier said in a social media post,

Payment processors such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express undermine Florida law by facilitating transactions for foreign-owned illegal online gaming. Today, they’re receiving a cease-and-desist.

Operators Under the Spotlight

A letter released by the Attorney General’s office alleges that Visa is currently processing payments for a number of gambling brands located offshore, including BetOnline, BetUS, , BetNow, Lucky Rebel, SportsBetting and XBet.

State officials say that these operators bypass Florida’s regulatory framework while diverting revenue away from authorized gaming channels.

The letter says that Visa has until June 24, 2026 to explain the steps it has taken to prevent such transactions, further warning that legal action could follow if the company fails to comply.

Extended Efforts

The latest move forms part of Florida’s broader effort to combat illegal gambling activity. State authorities have long sought to protect the exclusivity granted to the Seminole Tribe under Florida’s gaming compact. At the moment, Hard Rock Bet is the state’s only authorized online sportsbook. Online casino gaming is still not legal.

Uthmeier said Florida is prepared to use additional enforcement tools against offshore gambling operations and those that support them.

If you’re a payment processor and you’re helping one of those sites, you are breaking the law. Cease and desist immediately, or we will take any law enforcement action necessary to hold you accountable

The Attorney General further argued that, since the beginning of the year, Florida authorities have seized more than 3,100 illegal gambling machines, confiscated $1.7 million in proceeds, and made a total of 81 arrests as part of the state’s ongoing gambling enforcement efforts.