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.