The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has intensified its enforcement efforts in opposition to unregulated on-line casinos, issuing cease-and-desist orders to 5 offshore operators which were offering playing companies illegally inside the state. The regulator asserts that these websites are in direct violation of Michigan’s playing legal guidelines and should halt operations instantly.
Offshore Operators Identified in Enforcement Action
The 5 on-line casinos named by the MGCB in its crackdown embrace BetWhale Casino, Coins Game Casino, and Love2play Casino—every based mostly in Curaçao—together with Black Lotus Casino, which operates out of Belize, and Orion Stars 777 Players, linked to China. These platforms provide a wide range of playing choices, together with slot video games, poker, blackjack, bingo, Keno, and sports activities betting.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams underscored the risks posed by these unauthorized platforms. “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,” he acknowledged. “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.”
Violations of Michigan’s Gambling Laws
The MGCB decided that the focused offshore casinos are in breach of a number of Michigan legal guidelines, together with:
- Lawful Internet Gaming Act – Michigan legislation restricts on-line playing to licensed entities solely.
- Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act – Operating an unlicensed on line casino is assessed as a felony, punishable by as much as 10 years in jail or fines reaching $100,000.
- Michigan Penal Code – Gambling operations requiring a wager with the expectation of a prize based mostly on likelihood are unlawful.
Concerns have additionally been raised over the withdrawal insurance policies of those offshore websites, as some require gamers to satisfy extreme wagering necessities earlier than cashing out, making it tough for shoppers to entry their winnings.
The cease-and-desist orders give the operators a 14-day deadline to go away the Michigan market. If they fail to conform, the MGCB has pledged to work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to take authorized motion.
Michigan’s Aggressive Stance on Illegal Gambling
Michigan has constantly taken a hardline strategy to unlicensed playing. In current months, the MGCB has issued a number of enforcement orders, together with one in opposition to BetNow.eu. The regulator has additionally taken motion in opposition to 9 extra unlicensed on-line operators, a few of which tried to bypass rules by presenting themselves as sweepstakes gaming platforms.
Previous authorized motion within the state has additionally focused well-known offshore manufacturers similar to Bovada and MyBookie, in addition to sweepstakes corporations like VGW and One Country. These efforts have positioned Michigan as some of the proactive U.S. states in regulating unauthorized on-line playing.
Strengthening Consumer Protections
To bolster regulatory oversight, Michigan has allotted almost $2 million from its 2025 funds to reinforce web gaming and sports activities betting enforcement. Governor Gretchen Whitmer permitted this funding to assist authorities fight unlawful playing and strengthen shopper protections.
At a gaming legislation convention final 12 months, Williams bolstered the MGCB’s dedication to enforcement, stating, “If people choose to ignore the law and don’t do what’s legal, we’re going to find them and hold them accountable for their actions.”
Michigan gamers are inspired to confirm the legitimacy of playing websites by means of the MGCB’s official web site atMichigan.gov/MGCB. Individuals who suspect unlawful playing actions can report issues by way of the MGCB’s confidential hotline at 1-888-314-2682 or by emailing [email protected].
Source:
Michigan Targets Offshore Online Casinos for Violating State Laws, lcb.org, March 9, 2025.
