Michigan sports betting regulators continued to crack down on the illegal market this week, targeting nine unlicensed operators.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued nine cease-and-desist orders Wednesday, targeting unlicensed operators offering Michigan sports betting and casino-style games.
“These unlicensed operators are not only in violation of Michigan’s laws but also pose significant risks to consumers by offering limited and often unreliable withdrawal options,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a release. “Our role is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling activities are carried out legally and responsibly.
“These operators have 14 days to cease their illegal activities or face further legal action.”
Operators targeted
The MGCB issued the nine letters to the following entities:
- BetAnySports
- CoolCat Casino
- Diamond Sportsbook International, d/b/a BetDSI.eu
- Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold)
- My Dreams Casino
- NonStop Casino
- Palace of Chance
- Xbet Casino
- WagerWeb
Michigan sports betting laws cited
According to the MGCB, the websites breached at least three laws:
- Lawful Internet Gaming Act for offering unlicensed gambling
- Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act for operating a gambling business without a license
- Michigan Penal Code for offering gambling that involves consideration, prize and chance
The MGCB also noted that some unlicensed operators are using the social sweepstakes method to circumvent regulatory scrutiny. The MGCB said many of the sites lack consumer protections and oversight.
Michigan continues crackdowns
Last month, the MGCB sent three cease-and-desist letters to offshore sports betting operators. That continued a streak of the Mitten State going after illegal operators, including two letters in the fall.
Michigan also kicked off a long list of states sending stop orders to major offshore operator Bovada, which now restricts access in 17 US markets.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allocated money in the state budget last year to combat illegal gambling. In 2023, Williams led a group of regulators asking the US attorney general for assistance in fighting offshore gambling operators.
