Michigan’s gaming regulator has continued its offensive against offshore unlicensed online casinos
Michigan’s gaming regulator has continued its offensive against offshore unlicensed online casinos.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has sent cease-and-desist letters to five offshore online casinos, asserting that they are breaking multiple state laws.
The five sites in question are BetWhale Casino, Coins Game Casino, and Love2play Casino, all based out of Curaçao, as well as Belize-based Black Lotus Casino and Chinese site Orion Stars 777 Players.
The websites offer a variety of casino games, such as slots, poker, blackjack, Keno, bingo and game show games, in addition to sports betting.
Michigan regulator ready to pursue further legal action
The MGCB stated that all the operators are in violation of the state Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code. In addition, while players on the sites can use various payment options like cards, PayPal and cryptocurrencies, users often need to wager their initial deposits multiple times before they can access their winnings.
“These illegal platforms not only violate Michigan’s gaming regulations but also put consumers at risk by offering unreliable withdrawal options and lacking essential consumer protections,” stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
“Our top priority is safeguarding Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gaming activities are conducted legally and safely. These operators must stop their activities or face additional legal consequences.”
As is custom, the board has given the operators 14 days to get out of the Wolverine State. If they don’t, the MGCB has vowed to work with the state Attorney General’s Office to hound the online casinos and pursue further legal action.
Michigan takes hardest stance of any state
The MGCB has proven that it does not take unregulated operators lightly. Michigan has taken the hardest stance of any regulated gaming state in recent times, chasing a large number of unlicensed sites out of its market.
Just last week, it issued a cease-and-desist order to BetNow.eu, which says it is licensed and regulated by The Autonomous Island of Anjoun Union of the Comoros and offers sports betting, horse racing wagering and online casino games.
Before that, the MGCB sent C&Ds to a raft of nine online operators, some of whom it said had attempted to evade regulatory scrutiny by “operating under the guise of sweepstakes.”
The MGCB has previously chased the likes of Curaçao-based brands Bovada and MyBookie, sweepstakes operators VGW and One Country, and skill games provider Papaya Gaming to get them to shut down.
https://sbcamericas.com/2025/03/06/michigan-board-hits-5-offshore-casinos/