Michigan Gaming Board clamps down on 11 illegal online casinos
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 11 illegal online gambling operators targeting residents of Michigan without proper state authorisation. These unlicensed casinos, some based offshore and others operating from undisclosed or domestic locations, violate Michigan’s regulated gaming laws and pose serious risks to consumers.
The casinos named in the action include Club Player Casino, 7 Bets Casino, NinBet Casino, Cherry Jackpot Casino, PitBet, SlotsNBets, Bookmaker.eu, Wild Vegas Casino, VIP Slots Casino, Prism Casino, and ABC Islands Casino.
Speaking on the matter, Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board said, “These sites are operating illegally and without proper oversight, putting Michigan players at risk. We’re committed to shutting down unlicensed gambling operations and protecting the public from deceptive practices, unfair play, and financial harm.”
The MGCB has ordered the 11 operators to immediately stop offering gambling services to Michigan residents. They have 14 days to comply with the order. If they do not, further action will be taken, including possible legal proceedings in collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
Williams further added, “This should serve as a strong warning to illegal operators: Michigan does not tolerate unauthorised gambling activity. We will continue our relentless pursuit of actively identifying and disrupting these operations.”
Risks for players
As per a , the illegal casinos were accepting wagers from Michigan residents through various payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets and cryptocurrencies. However, these operators subject players to unfair practices such as withholding winnings, unrealistic wagering requirements and denial of withdrawals.
In addition, these unlicensed operators do not follow the state’s mandatory strict data protection standards. As a result, players’ personal and financial information may be highly vulnerable when shared with these unlicensed platforms, increasing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
Previous action against offshore sites
Earlier this month, the MGCB took similar action against 13 offshore gambling websites targeting Michigan residents. These sites, including Captain Jack Casino, Casino Brango, Ducky Luck Casino, El Royale Casino, Jazz Casino, Jazz Sports Casino Racebook, Looselines, Planet 7 Casino, Red Dog Casino, Royal Oak Casino, Silver Oak Casino, Skybook, and Slots of Vegas, were found to be operating without state licences.
Like the 11 recently targeted sites, these websites allowed Michigan players to gamble using a variety of payment methods—such as credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies—engaged in dishonest practices, such as restricting withdrawals and demanding players meet high, often unreasonable, wagering thresholds before accessing their funds. These practices put users at risk of losing money and created an unfair gambling experience.
In addition, they also , consumer protection, or data security, putting users at further risk of fraud and identity theft.
Commitment to a safe and regulated market
The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains dedicated to preserving the integrity of the state’s gaming environment.
“We want every patron in Michigan to have access to a fair and secure gambling experience,” Williams added. “By eliminating illegal operators, we’re helping ensure the public can enjoy gaming without fear of fraud or abuse.”
The MGCB urged Michigan residents to use only licensed and approved online gambling platforms. A complete list of legal operators is available on the official website at Michigan.gov/MGCB. Players who suspect illegal gambling activities or encounter suspicious websites are encouraged to report them by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing [email protected].
