On July 2, 2025, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) sent letters to 19 unlicensed online gambling websites. These sites broke Michigan’s gaming laws by offering casino games and sports betting without a license.
This is the MGCB’s biggest enforcement action yet. The goal is to keep players safe and support the state’s legal gaming industry.
Only casinos licensed by Michigan or approved tribal casinos can offer online gaming or sports betting legally. This includes DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and other top online sportsbooks.
The websites targeted by the MGCB offer illegal games such as slots, poker, and sports betting. They allow real money wagering from players without having gone through the state licensing process, and thus were found in violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Lawful Sports Betting Act, and related laws, including the Michigan Penal Code.
The following platforms received letters:
The MGCB gave these sites 14 days to stop operating in Michigan. If they don’t, the MGCB may work with the Michigan Attorney General for further action.
The MGCB continues making progress on its mission to stop unlicensed gambling in Michigan. They previously sent 16 more cease-and-desist letters earlier in 2025 and have issued 59 total over the last full year. Tips from the public help the MGCB find these sites.
Michigan has 17 legal online casinos and is considered one of the best and most active iGambling markets in the country. The full list of regulated online casinos in the Great Lakes State is as follows:
In January 2025, these casinos made $331.2 million, with $248.2 million from casino games and $74 million from sports betting. In comparison, unregulated casino platforms are estimated to have generated $1.2 billion in revenue from Michigan residents last year.
Henry Williams, MGCB’s leader, said unlicensed sites can be risky because they may not pay out winnings or protect players.
“Illegal gambling operators threaten the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our gaming industry,” Williams said in the release. “When companies offer games without proper licensing, Michigan players are left without the critical protections they deserve. That’s unacceptable, and we’re taking strong action to stop it.”
