BetOnline.ag and SportsBetting.ag have been issued cease and desist orders from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) for conducting illegal gambling in the state.
The MGCB concluded Panama-based operators are, in its estimation, violating Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Gaming Control and Revenue Act and Michigan Penal Code by illegally accepting wagers from customers in Michigan without proper licensing.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to enforcing Michigan’s gaming laws and protecting consumers from illegal gambling,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We encourage residents to only engage with licensed and regulated online platforms for a safe and fair gaming experience.”
The MGCB ordered BetOnline and SportsBetting to exit Michigan following an investigation sparked by an anonymous tip. MGCB alleges that SportsBetting is illegally accepting wagers on sports, politics, horse racing and online casino games. The allegations also sugest the platform also violates Michigan law by providing cash-back incentives for online casino losses.
MGCB made similar assertions about BetOnline, claiming it has also been illegally offering sports betting and horse racing along with casino-style games, including slots, blackjack and poker.
MGCB also took issue with BetOnline offers cryptocurrency and credit card funding.
The MGCB has given the offshore operators 14 days to stop accepting Michigan customers. The regulator notified the unlicensed platforms that a failure to comply with the cease and desist orders will result in legal action. It will collaborate with the state’s Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action if the two entities fail to comply.
Michigan regulator combats unlicensed online casinos
Last week, the MGCB sent cease and desist orders to 11 offshore iGaming operators that, per the MGCB, are accepting customers without adhering to required consumer protection and fair play standards and accept cryptocurrency payments.
BetOnline catches the attention of regulators nationwide
The Mississippi Gaming Commission also sent a cease and desist letter to BetOnline.
The gaming regulator sent a letter to BetOnline in July 2024 but the operator, along with Bovada, MyBookie, BetUS and BetWhale, failed to respond in a timely manner.
The lack of response led the commission to send a second round of letters in December.
Earlier this year, the Illinois Gaming Board also sent cease and desist orders to BetOnline and BetUS for operating in the state without a license. Bovada also received a letter.
