The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) remains busy issuing cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed operators as another eight online gaming operators have been ordered to stop offering gambling in Michigan. The latest brands ordered to stop offering gambling to Michiganders are:
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said that “unlawful operators” may present themselves as legitimate entertainment options. The big differences between the brands mentioned above and regulated online casinos are the lack of player protection tools and the lack of accountability. The combination puts Michigan online players at risk.
Any operator flagged by the MGCB has been directed to immediately halt Michigan-facing operations. Failure to comply could result in further enforcement actions.
The story about the Michigan Gaming Control Board sending cease-and-desist letters is an ongoing battle. On September 2, the MGCB notified four unlicensed operators offshore about ceasing operations. Betty Wins, Orbit Wins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino, which are all operated by Tech Zone, Inc., made up that last list. Add in the latest round of cease-and-desists, and it brings the grand total to 33 since July.
The latest violators were flagged for offering casino-style games or interactive wagering without the required licensing. This violates the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.
“Our message is simple: if you want to offer gambling in Michigan, follow the law or we will stop you. We will continue to work aggressively to keep illegal gambling out of our state,” Williams said.
Earlier this month, GeoComply shared data supporting that enforcement drives players to legal betting. The MGCB is doing its part via its Play It Smart, Michigan, campaign. The agency’s website includes a page dedicated to legal vs. Illegal gaming. It even has an extensive list of every online casino and sportsbook that has been sent cease-and-desist letters.
Michigan gamblers can currently choose between 15 online casinos and 11 sports betting apps that are licensed and regulated. Some of the more well-known names are:
When it comes to Responsible Gaming (RG) practices, these regulated sites are required to offer RG tools such as deposit alerts, user limits, timeout, self-exclusion, and more.
“Fake ads can look convincing – sometimes even using familiar logos or names – but they can be nothing more than a gateway to offshore sites that put players at risk,” Williams said. “Through our Play It Smart, Michigan campaign, we’re giving Michiganders the tools they need to tell the difference between safe, legal play, and dangerous illegal operators.”
Michigan’s online casino industry remains a booming business despite the crackdowns on illegal sites. The MGCB released August revenue figures on September 17 that showed a new monthly record of $263.3 million, topping the previous high of $260.5 million set in March.
Michigan online casinos, which have been legal since January 2021, have now generated over $9 billion in lifetime revenue.
