Michigan gaming regulators this week issued a cease and desist letter to One Country Give, a country music-themed sweepstakes lottery.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced the order Tuesday, accusing the website’s owner, OC Media Holdings LLC, of running multiple online lotteries and raffles without a license. The company has 14 days from receipt of the letter to ensure the website is not available to the Michigan gaming market or the MGCB will pursue legal action, according to the letter.
Unlicensed sweepstakes in Michigan
One Country offers prizes like lakefront cabins, VIP concert tickets and trucks belonging to country singers. To become eligible to win, members must pay a monthly fee for entries.
Those start at $15 and go as high as $75 a month. Members can obtain more entries through one-time payments and purchasing merchandise.
It has given away more than $9.1 million in cash and prizes, according to its website.
“One Country’s practice of offering online lotteries and/or raffles directly tied to the price of its merchandise and services to paying customers without a proper gambling license violates numerous state laws,” the MGCB said in the press release.
Consequences for violating Michigan gaming law
The website’s owners could face penalties up to 10 years in prison for violating several Michigan laws:
- Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Only licensed internet gaming operators may offer internet gaming in Michigan.
- Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating a gambling operation without a license from the MGCB is illegal. Violators face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
- Michigan Penal Code: Broadly prohibits any form of gambling that involves consideration, prize, and chance.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board will not, and does not, tolerate activities that circumvent our laws and threaten the integrity of the highly regulated gaming industry in Michigan,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
“We are committed to upholding state law to ensure a fair and honest gaming environment for all Michigan citizens, and we will keep issuing cease-and-desist letters and taking appropriate legal actions to halt illegal gaming in the state of Michigan.”
