Michigan Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to 33 Offshore Gambling Sites

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued cease and desist orders to 33 online gambling websites operating offshore and offering casino games, sports betting, and sweepstakes games in the state without a license. According to the regulator, the websites were unauthorized to conduct business in the state and were also exempted from the protection laws applicable to licensed businesses.

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The latest action forms part of Michigan’s continuing campaign against unlicensed online gambling. The MGCB said the operators were offering services to state residents despite not holding the required Michigan license.

Among the sites contacted were Azartzona Casino, Basepoker, BingoMania, BitofGold, Cryptoplay, Del Oro Casino, Detective Slots, Donbet, and Exclusive Casino. The regulator also named Genie Jackpot, Guangzhou Snail Interactive Technology Co., Immersion Casino Online, iWild Casino, and JacksPay.

33 Sites Receive Notices

The MGCB said the identified operators had been providing different forms of online gambling, including casino games, sports betting, and sweepstakes-style products. None of the 33 sites held a Michigan gambling license, according to the regulator.

Other platforms included in the action were Jurassic Slots, L0tt0, Lucky Charm Sweep, Lucky Rebel, Magicianbet, mBit Casino, Odds Maker, Raging Bull Slots, and Regal Casino and Sportsbook, also known as Wager Street. The remaining sites named by the MGCB were Ronin Slots, Runewager, Slot Paradise, Sloto Tribe, Sloto’Cash Online Casino, Spin Dinero, SpinsTopia, Stardust, SunnySpins Casino, and The Online Casino.

The cease-and-desist letters notify the operators that the regulator considers their alleged activity illegal in Michigan. The regulator emphasized that operators who do not comply with the directives could face further enforcement action. Such action may involve the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

Regulator Cites Player Safeguards

The MGCB said a major concern with unlicensed gambling sites is that they do not have to follow the rules imposed on approved operators in Michigan. These include rights for individuals who have voluntarily chosen to exclude themselves from the gambling industry.

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Michigan’s regulated gambling market requires licensed businesses to restrict access to individuals participating in their self-exclusion program. The MGCB said offshore operators are not required to follow those restrictions.

According to MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams, self-exclusion is an important decision for people who seek help managing gambling activity. He said the state’s licensed market recognizes that choice, while offshore sites may accept deposits from self-excluded individuals.

Williams noted that this can leave vulnerable customers exposed because the regulator has no authority to help them recover funds deposited with unauthorized offshore operators. He said the 33 cease-and-desist letters make clear that Michigan residents are not available for unlicensed companies to target.

The regulator’s concerns focus on the difference between licensed operators, which must meet Michigan requirements, and offshore services that do not operate under state oversight.

Wider Enforcement Continues

The latest letters add to earlier actions taken by the MGCB against unlicensed gambling sites. In April, the regulator said that 45 additional offshore operators had also been notified of their violations within four months.

These companies were found to be accepting bets or providing casino-style gambling services to Michigan residents without a license. The new action continues the regulator’s efforts to address operators that remain outside the state’s legal market.

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Source: Next.io