The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continues to be one of the busiest state gaming regulators in trying to force out unlicensed operators.
The MGCB sent out 13 new cease-and-desist letters this week to a range of websites that it said are offering online gambling without a licence in the state and therefore breaking the law.
In an update on April 2, the regulator announced that it had contacted Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino, both operated by Curaçao-based Alistair Solutions NV. The board’s correspondence accused the sites of offering slots, table games and video poker without a license in the Wolverine State.
The following day, the MGCB said it had sent another slate of 11 notices to brands such as Shazam Casino, SlotsRoom, Ruby Slots Casino, Spinfinity, Jumba Bet Casino and Grand Eagle Online Casino.
C&Ds call out ‘deceptive’ targeting of Michigan residents
Various letters accused the recipients of using “deceptive” practices to target Michigan residents, such as requiring users to bet multiple separate deposits before being allowed to redeem winnings.
The MGCB said that all 13 operators are in direct violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.
All of the targeted sites were given 14 days to respond to the notice and shut down their operations in the state.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring a fair, safe and lawful gaming environment for all Michigan residents,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams in the board’s release. “Our actions today underscore our unwavering dedication to holding illegal operators accountable.
“Shutting down these unlicensed platforms is critical not only to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry. It also helps to protect Michigan residents from predatory practices and unreliable gambling experiences.”
Michigan not publicly chasing prediction markets
Michigan’s board has launched an onslaught against unlicensed online casinos and sweepstake sites in recent times.
It previously targeted the likes of Bovada, MyBookie and BetNow as well as sweepstakes operators VGW and One Country and skill games provider Papaya Gaming. Even since hounding those brands, it has doled out nearly 30 cease-and-desist notices. It sent a set of five orders in early March and issued 10 letters to operators last week before the baker’s dozen this week.
One step it appears the board has not yet taken, however, it is making similar moves against prediction market operators. While Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois regulators have all taken action against Kalshi (and, in some cases, Robinhood and Crypto.com), Michigan is yet to confirm it will follow.
Back in January, Churchill Downs filed suit against the MGCB after the board issued a summary suspension order for its TwinSpires brand, alleging the operator failed to comply with a C&D that accused it of violating Michigan gaming laws by offering advance deposit wagering without a partnership with a licensed horse racing track.
