Michigan sports betting regulators had a busy April, sending out more than two dozen cease-and-desist letters, including to two major offshore sportsbooks.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent out more than 20 cease-and-desist letters in April, including two on Monday. This week, letters went to SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.
It continued the MGCB’s history of action. Overall, it has sent more than 40 letters to offshore, unregulated, and unlicensed Michigan sports betting operators in the past year.
Michigan sports betting orders
The MGCB announced the cease-and-desist orders to SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag, both based in Panama, on Monday. Both operators are unlicensed in the state.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to enforcing Michigan’s gaming laws and protecting consumers from illegal gambling,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “We encourage residents to only engage with licensed and regulated online platforms for a safe and fair gaming experience.”
The MGCB found the pair of unregulated sportsbooks in violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. According to the release, the MGCB will take further legal action if the two books do not cease operations in the state within 14 days.
Additional April cease-and-desists
At the beginning of the month, the MGCB said it sent 13 orders to illegal operators. Last week, the agency sent 11 orders to unlicensed online casinos. The state has now sent more than 40 cease-and-desist letters to offshore and unlicensed online gambling operators.
The MGCB is also investigating sports prediction markets.
“Sports betting is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a financial investment,” Williams said. “By framing sports contracts as investment vehicles, these platforms risk confusing consumers and undermining the state’s commitment to responsible gaming.
“Moreover, many of these unlicensed platforms are often accessible to individuals as young as 18, in stark contrast to Michigan’s 21+ age requirement for legal sports betting.”
New chair in Michigan
Along with the news of two cease-and-desist orders, the MGCB also announced a new chair this week.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Jim Ananich as the MGCB’s new chair, replacing Linda Forte. Ananich’s term runs until Dec. 31, 2028.
Also on the board are Joni M. Thrower Davis, Mark Evenson, Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds and Andrew T. Palms.
