The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist order to BetNow.eu, which offers sports betting, horse racing wagering and online casino games.
A notice on the BetNow.eu website notes that it is licensed and regulated by The Autonomous Island of Anjoun Union of the Comoros. It is not approved as a gaming operator by the MGCB.
The board wrote in a notice that BetNow is breaking state laws including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code. The MGCB also noted that while BetNow offers a wide range of payment options for players to deposit funds, they only become eligible to withdraw funds after wagering their entire initial deposit.
The company has 14 days to go offline in the state before potentially facing further legal action.
“This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law but also exposes consumers to significant risks,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Our job is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling is conducted legally and responsibly.”
MGCB continues relentless pursuit of offshore brands
The action against BetNow comes just two weeks after the MGCB announced it had sent cease-and-desist letters to nine other online operators.
In that last communication, the board said that some of those platforms have tried to evade regulatory scrutiny by “operating under the guise of sweepstakes.”
The MGCB has been perhaps the most proactive of all state regulators in looking to force out unlicensed operators. It has previously sent C&Ds to the likes of Curaçao-based brands Bovada and MyBookie, sweepstakes operators VGW and One Country, and skill games provider Papaya Gaming.
