TLDR
- Florida AG James Uthmeier issued cease-and-desist letters to Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for processing payments for illegal gambling sites
- Visa has until June 24 to show proof it has blocked transactions for offshore gambling operators
- AG warns payment processors could face charges under Florida’s RICO Act if they don’t comply
- Florida has made 81 arrests and seized over 3,100 illegal machines since the start of 2026
- Hard Rock Bet is the only legal sportsbook approved in Florida under the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive compact
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has sent cease-and-desist letters to Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, accusing them of breaking state law by processing payments for unlicensed gambling websites.
The letters were announced at a press conference on June 10, 2026. Uthmeier said the payment companies risk prosecution under Florida’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act if they do not stop enabling illegal operators.
Visa Given a Deadline
Visa received a separate, more detailed letter from the AG’s office. It names several offshore gambling sites — including SportsBetting, BetNow, BetOnline, Lucky Rebel, BetUS, XBet, and Bovada — that Visa is accused of supporting through its payment network.
The letter states that Visa’s involvement in processing deposits and withdrawals for these platforms “violates Florida law.” Visa has until June 24 to respond in writing with details of what corrective steps it has taken.
Uthmeier was direct at his press conference: “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.”
Florida’s Broader Crackdown
The move against payment processors is part of a wider enforcement effort across the state.
Florida authorities recently completed a multi-day sweep in Lee and Collier counties. The operation resulted in 11 arrests, the seizure of 479 unauthorized gaming machines, and the recovery of nearly $294,150 in suspected illegal proceeds.
The sweep involved the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and local sheriff’s offices.
Since January 2026, Florida has confiscated more than 3,100 illegal machines, recovered around $1.7 million, and arrested 81 people connected to unlawful gambling.
Authorities say the crackdown is designed to protect the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive rights under its gaming compact with the state. Hard Rock Bet is the only sportsbook currently approved to operate legally in Florida.
The AG said both physical gambling operations and online platforms will continue to face enforcement action.
Florida’s focus has now shifted toward the financial infrastructure that keeps illegal gambling sites running. By targeting payment networks, the state is trying to cut off the money flow to offshore operators who continue to accept bets from Florida residents.
No response from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express has been made public as of the time of writing.
