Michigan Sports Betting Regulators Continue Offshore Crackdown


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Michigan sports betting

Michigan regulators continued their battle against offshore sports betting operators this week. 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced Thursday that it had sent a cease-and-desist letter to Curaçao-based Duranbah Limited NV, the operator of MyBookie.ag. The website offers both illegal online casino and Michigan sports betting options.

“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a release. “We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming.”

Illegal Michigan sports betting offerings

MyBookie offers unregulated online casino games such as slots, poker, and live dealer games such as blackjack and roulette. It also allows bets on sporting events and horse racing. 

The operator also allows various credit cards, PayPal and cryptocurrencies to fund accounts. However, withdrawals are only available via bitcoin or bank wire transfers.

Michigan laws cited

Duranbah Limited has 14 days from receiving the cease-and-desist letter to respond to it. If the company fails to comply, the MGCB will work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue further legal action. 

The MGCB stated that its investigation found that MyBookie broke multiple Michigan laws, including the following: 

Michigan offshore actions

Michigan has been one of the more active states in cracking down on unregulated offshore gambling platforms. In the fall, it sent cease-and-desist letters to Costa Rica-based Ace23 and Israel-based Papaya Gaming. The MGCB also kicked off a string of multiple states to send cease-and-desists to illegal operator Bovada

Last February, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allocated money in the state budget to combat illegal gambling. In 2023, Williams led a group of regulators asking for federal assistance in fighting offshore sportsbooks and online casinos. 

“In Michigan, strict laws and rules govern internet gaming and sports betting and provide consumer protections, promote confidence and ensure fair and honest gaming,” Williams said at the time. “We are willing to help the US Department of Justice in any way we can as it pursues enforcement of US laws against offshore illegal gaming enterprises that take advantage of our citizens.”

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