Michigan regulator enforces cease-and-desist orders to 14 offshore gambling operators
Online gambling has surged in popularity over the past few years, but this growth has also brought a darker side—unregulated, offshore websites that lure players into unsafe territory. To protect its residents, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is taking decisive action. The MGCB recently issued cease-and-desist letters to 14 offshore gambling websites, accusing them of unlawfully accepting bets from Michigan residents without proper licensing or authorisation.
MGCB’s role and their enforcement action
The MGCB is the state’s watchdog for all things gambling. It regulates commercial casinos, horse racing, and, more recently, internet gaming and sports betting. The MGCB has the authority to investigate and enforce gambling laws across Michigan, especially when it comes to safeguarding residents from illegal operators.
The to offshore gambling operators. These unlicensed platforms reportedly include BetFlip, BetMania, Casino Castle, Casino Extreme, Casobet Casino, EmuCasino, Golden Lion, Gossip Slots, Irish Luck Casino, Juicy Stakes, Juicy Stakes.eu, Lotus Asia Casino, Red Lion Casino, and SlotGems Casino.
Each of these sites has been given 14 days to comply with the cease-and-desist orders or face escalated legal action in partnership with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Why were these platforms targeted?
These sites were actively soliciting Michigan players. They broke various legal provisions such as the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act by operating without state approval. Apart from disobeying rules, these websites exposed players to serious financial and personal danger.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams emphasises the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s gambling industry and protecting its citizens from the risks associated with illegal gambling.
Williams stated, “These sites operate in the shadows of the law, offering no guarantees to players and no accountability to the public. The MGCB’s enforcement efforts are both relentless and unwavering. We will continue to identify and act against illegal gambling operations that threaten the integrity of our regulated market and place Michigan residents at risk.”
Recent actions by the MGCB
Recently, BetUS received its own cease-and-desist letter for accepting sports and casino wagers from Michigan residents without a licence. This indicates that the crackdown is expanding. The board also issued cease-and-desist orders to the Panama-based operators of SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag. These platforms were found to be illegally offering gambling services in Michigan, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
In the preceding weeks, the MGCB also targeted several offshore and unlicensed gambling websites. It issued orders to 11 online platforms, including Club Player Casino and Bookmaker.eu, instructing them to stop offering services in Michigan due to lack of state approval. Earlier in April, the MGCB had already ordered 13 other websites to cease operations for similar reasons. The agency stated that these sites did not comply with Michigan’s regulations for safe and fair gambling, user protection, or data security.
