The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a cease and desist Thursday to Papaya Gaming for operating four illegal online gaming apps.
The Israel-based company offers four games that allow players to buy in with and win real money through the games:
- 21 Cash
- Bingo Cash
- Bubble Cash
- Solitaire Cash
The apps violate multiple Michigan online gaming laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, according to the release. The investigation was started after the regulator received an anonymous tip about the games.
Papaya has until Oct. 17 to pull the apps from Michigan.
Papaya reviewing cease and desist
A Papaya spokesperson told LSR on Thursday afternoon the company is reviewing the letter from Michigan:
“We are reviewing the letter. Papaya complies with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates.
“We look forward to addressing the matter in due course with the Michigan Gaming Control Board. We are confident that Papaya will continue to present lawfully in Michigan.”
Papaya explains games as tournaments
The help section on the Papaya website notes that all four games involve players entering tournaments to win cash.
That means tournament winners take the pot at the end.
Papaya notes it operates more than 15 million tournaments daily. Its games have been downloaded more than 37 million times worldwide.
Michigan online gaming regulated closely
Michigan is one of the busier online gaming regulators. It has issued multiple cease and desist orders over since the beginning of the year to both offshore gambling operators and other types of gaming.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board firmly believes in a regulated and safe gaming environment,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Illegal gambling is not tolerated in Michigan, and we will take all necessary actions to protect our residents from such unlawful practices.”
Michigan is one of the states that issued Bovada a cease and desist. That came a few months after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earmarked money to target illegal gambling operations involved in Michigan online gaming.
