Curaçao-based MyBookie next on Michigan regulator’s hit list

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Michigan’s gaming regulator is continuing its crackdown on offshore gaming operators by attempting to push MyBookie out of the state.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said on Thursday that it has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited N.V., the Curaçao-based operator of MyBookie.ag. The site offers slots, poker, and live-dealer games like blackjack, roulette and craps, as well as letting users bet on sporting events and horse races.

The MGCB also noted that while MyBookie.ag offers numerous payment methods for deposits, including a range of credit and debit cards, PayPal and various cryptocurrencies, it only allows players to withdraw their money in the form of Bitcoin or wire transfer.

In the small print at the foot of its website, MyBookie markets itself as a “North America trusted sportsbook and bookmaker” as well as a legal online sports betting site.

However, its legal terms of use note that “MyBookie’s products and services may not be legal in some jurisdictions” and stresses that the availability of its website does not constitute an offer, solicitation or invitation for users to sign up. “It is the players’ responsibility to determine the law that applies in the country or jurisdiction where they reside,” adds the section of the terms and conditions.

It also has a long list of prohibited countries and territories on its website, but no U.S. markets are named as of the time of writing.

“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws,” wrote MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming.”

The MGCB said that MyBookie is in violation of numerous state laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code.

Michigan continues crusade against offshore bookies

The Michigan Gaming Control Board have taken one of the most proactively hardline stances against offshore operators of any state.

It’s worth remembering it was they who began the wave of action against another Curaçao-based platform, Bovada, by sending a cease-and-desist letter back in May 2024. Since then, Bovada has gone in states including Colorado, West Virginia, Connecticut, D.C., Ohio, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Massachusetts, and mostly recently New Hampshire, in many cases after receiving and filing to respond to C&Ds.

It will be interesting to see if a similar pattern emerges with MyBookie.

The MGCB has also taken similar enforcement action against the likes of sweepstakes operators Golden Hearts, VGW and One Country, as well as Israeli skill games provider Papaya Gaming and gaming agents Ace23 and Ace Per Head. Back in October 2023, the MGCB also formally limited fantasy contests, a move which pushed PrizePicks and others out of the market.

Now, the regulator says MyBookie parent Duranbah has 14 days from receipt of the letter to block users in Michigan, otherwise the board is ready to take legal action.

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