The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is not letting up in its efforts to ensure the only online casinos taking state residents’ money are ones it has licensed.
Michigan’s regulator announced on Wednesday it has sent cease-and-desist letters to nine more online casinos, alleging violations of state gaming laws:
- BetAnySports (BAS)
- CoolCat Casino
- Diamond Sportsbook International, d/b/a BetDSI.eu (BetDSI)
- Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold)
- My Dreams Casino
- NonStop casino
- Palace of Chance
- Xbet Casino
- WagerWeb
The platforms offer a range of casino-style games such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette and craps as well as betting services for sporting events and horse races.
By doing so the MGCB claims they are breaking state laws including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code.
“These unlicensed operators are not only in violation of Michigan’s laws but also pose significant risks to consumers by offering limited and often unreliable withdrawal options,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Our role is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling activities are carried out legally and responsibly.
“These operators have 14 days to cease their illegal activities or face further legal action.”
The MGCB letter noted that one way in which these platforms evade regulatory scrutiny is by “operating under the guise of sweepstakes,” which the board says allows them to circumvent traditional gaming laws.
The agency stressed that all state residents looking to gamble online should consult the list of licensed internet gaming providers it publishes on its website.
Bovada, VGW, MyBookie already incurred Michigan’s wrath
Michigan’s hardline stance on offshore and unlicensed online casinos has been a theme for many months.
The MGCB set the trend for the raft of C&Ds sent to Curaçao-based Bovada back in May 2024. Since then, Bovada has gone offline in states including Colorado, West Virginia, Connecticut, Ohio, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The board has also taken similar enforcement action against the likes of sweepstakes operators VGW and One Country and skill games provider Papaya Gaming. Late last month, it chased down another Curaçao-based operator, MyBookie, sending a cease-and-desist letter to its parent company Duranbah Limited N.V..
