The company faces fines and possible legal actions for operating without a license in at least four states. Established in the isthmus, it takes advantage of the advantages of local jurisdiction
Betonline, online betting site that operates since 2004 in Panama, is under the scrutiny of US authorities. In the last three months, the company has received at least four legal orders related to the services offered outside the isthmus.
According to SBC Americas, a medium specialized in the American casinos and sports betting industry, these are four “letters of cessation and withdrawal” or warning about possible legal actions.
Last week, the Massachusetts State Attorney General issued an order of this type against Betonline for operating without a license from the Massachusetts game commission, thus breaking the regulations of this state, which provides that the “online” commitment of sporting events must be carried out under a license issued by the entity.
According to prosecutor Andrea Joy Campbell, Betonline lacks the license required to offer “sports betting services on her platform.” In addition, it allows horse racing bets, despite “that it does not maintain any license” that legalizes this service.
In its condition as “Operator without a license”, Betonline also provides casino games: slot, blackjack, roulette, poker, etc.
Another state whose judicial authorities have shown interest in the activities carried out by the betting company that operates from Panama is Michigan. According to him website From the Michigan Game Control Board, on April 28, the entity “issued a cessation order for violation of state betting laws online.”
According to the provisions of Michigan, the company had “14 days to close” and suspend bets with “card, transfer or cryptocurrencies” or “face legal actions.”
The actions carried out in Michigan are derived from anonymous complaints. “BetOnline.ag It has been facilitating a range of illegal betting options, including sports bets, live events, casino -style games (tragamoneas, board games, blackjack, poker), horse race, electronic sports and several competition tournaments ”.
At the moment, the opinion is that the platform does not have the necessary licenses to operate in this state. As in the case of Massachusetts, the platform had a period of 14 days for the cessation of all its operations. This suspension would also reach Sportsbetting, betting site linked to Betonline.
In reference to this case, Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Game Control Board urged the “residents to interact only with authorized and regulated online platforms for a safe and fair game experience.”
Likewise, the state of Tennessee, through its Sports Betting Council (SWC), sent another letter to “cease and give up” the company for allegedly “operate an illegal betting book in the state.”
Fines and incentives
According to the SWC, the company was imposed an initial fine of $ 10,000, followed by one of $ 15 thousand and another of $ 25,000, after a third offense.
Recently, the Louisiana Game Control Board sent 40 cessation orders to different operators, including Betonline.
In the case of Massachusetts, of not complying with the orders of cessation both Betoline and Sportsbetting could face legal repercussions and penalties of up to $ 5,000 for each violation.
Panama destination He sent an email to the Game Control Board, an agency that gives licenses to betting portals, according to resolution number 65 of 2002, of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, but until the closing of this note there was no response.
In compliance with Law number 2 of 1998, which, among other provisions, establishes that online betting operators must be registered in Panama, Betonline is linked to the Public Limited Company of the Arapey Management SA, which, according to information from the Public Registry, was created in 2017.
“We operate as an international license company from Panama, Panama, under Panamanian law. All our bets and transactions are governed by Panamanian law,” Betonline told consultations directed by Panama destination through the chat available on your website.
Betonline, like the rest of the companies that obtain a license under the Panamanian jurisdiction, are exempt from the payment of taxes. Its online betting services is not available to Panamanians.
The company originated in Costa Rica, in 2001, under the name of Bestlinesports. After moving to Panama in July 2004, the company changed its name in 2007.