Just as everyone was gearing up to celebrate Independence Day, gaming regulators in Michigan set off their own fireworks, announcing that they had issued 19 cease-and-desist letters to illegal online gaming operators.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) noted that these platforms were “found to be targeting players in Michigan without proper licensure.”
The sweeping motion, according to a press release, reflected the MGCB’s “ongoing, relentless efforts” to protect both the state’s gaming industry as well as state residents from these unlicensed operators.
According to the MGCB, operators will have 14 days to cease all activity in the state or “face further legal consequences.”
Illegal gambling operators ‘threaten the safety’ of Michiganders
A flourishing industry featuring 27 online sportsbooks and casinos, Michigan has remained aggressive and vigilant to rid the state of unlicensed platforms.
“Illegal gambling operators threaten the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our gaming industry,” Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, said in a statement.
“When companies offer games without proper licensing, Michigan players are left without the critical protections they deserve. That’s unacceptable, and we’re taking strong action to stop it.”
Citing direct violations of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Lawful Sports Betting Act and related laws, state regulators ordered the following platforms to cease operations:
- Bingo Village
- BITBET
- Café Casino
- Cocoa Casino
- Cyber Bingo
- Davinci’s Gold
- Desert Nights Casino
- Diamond Reels Online Casino
- Eclipse Casino
- Eternal Slots
- EuroBets Casino
- Fair Go Casino
- GoldWin Casino
- Ignition Casino
- Jackbit
- Jackpot Capital
- Paradise8
- Red Stag Casino
- Two Up Casino
Regulators also investigating other iGaming brands
On top of that, the MGCB highlighted other operators that have appeared in recent and active investigations.
That includes BoVegas Casino, which features casino-style games that the MGCB says does not meet the state’s licensing standards.
Similarly, BUSR, an online sportsbook and casino, has operated without oversight or consumer protections.
The MGCB also mentioned Cherry Gold Casino, which, per the release, “lures players with promotions but fails to comply with Michigan law.” Lucky Legends, too, has been found to offer bonuses and a “VIP” experience without any regulatory accountability.
Lastly, the MGCB said that Wager Attack Casino has offered unregulated and unlicensed sports betting and casino games in the state.
MGCB: Players face ‘significant risks’ with unlicensed platforms
Within its announcement, the MGCB also warned state residents to avoid unregulated gambling platforms such as the ones aforementioned.
After all, state regulators said, “[w]ithout state oversight of these sites – which accept deposits, offer wagers, and conduct promotions – players face significant risks.”
That includes no guarantees of earning payouts for winnings, exposure to unfair or rigged games as well as no recourse in the event of disputes or fraud.
“These platforms operate in the shadows,” Williams said in the release. “They’re not just skirting the rules – they’re exposing players to serious harm. Our job is to stop them, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
Michigan iGaming among nation’s leaders
Michigan has shown its strength as a legal gambling mecca for online sportsbooks and online casinos, one that regulators continue to work to protect.
In May, internet gaming operators combined for $301.43 million in gross revenue – a single-month record for the Great Lake State.
That included some $251.47 from iGaming, a massive 26.6% year-over-year increase.
