The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued cease-and-desist letters to 33 offshore operators Thursday, accusing them of illegally offering online casino games, sweepstakes-style games and sports betting to state residents.
The MGCB paired the letters with a message that unlicensed operators do not offer the same consumer protections as licensed platforms. Michigan offers legal online casinos and online sports betting that are required to uphold those protections, especially self-exclusion.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said choosing to self-exclude through the state’s program takes courage.
“Offshore sites don’t respect it,” he said. “They will take a deposit from someone who has asked for help, and the MGCB has no way to help that person get it back.”
Some of the cease-and-desists went to Lucky Charm Sweep, Regal Casino and Sportsbook, Basepoker, Exclusive Casino and Genie Jackpot. Michigan has also targeted unlicensed operators beyond offshore sites, including prediction markets.
Illegal gambling a growing issue
Michiganders who use illegal gambling sites are giving up important consumer protections. In addition to self-exclusion, unlicensed operators do not offer deposit limits, and games may be rigged with no recourse for customers.
The MGCB cited a study from the American Gaming Association that Americans wager $673.6 billion each year on both legal and illegal gambling platforms. The illegal market has grown 22% since 2022.
The MGCB also stated that 70% of sports bettors who have placed online wagers with illegal operators were not aware the sites were illegal. Williams said the letters are meant as a warning.
“These 33 letters put operators on notice that our residents are not an untapped market, and that anyone who thinks they can ignore our protections will hear from us,” Williams added.
The MGCB provided a list of authorized platforms to steer residents towards legal gambling.
The board sent 45 cease-and-desist letters in April. The full list of operators from the most recent announcement:
- Azartzona Casino
- Basepoker
- BingoMania
- BitofGold
- Cryptoplay
- Del Oro Casino
- Detective Slots
- Donbet
- Exclusive Casino
- Genie Jackpot
- Guangzhou Snail Interactive Technology Co., Ltd.
- Immersion Casino Online
- iWild Casino
- JacksPay
- Jurassic Slots
- L0tt0
- Lucky Charm Sweep
- Lucky Rebel
- Magicianbet
- mBit Casino
- Odds Maker
- Raging Bull Slots
- Regal Casino and Sportsbook (also known as Wager Street)
- Ronin Slots
- Runewager
- Slot Paradise
- Sloto Tribe
- Sloto’Cash Online Casino
- Spin Dinero
- SpinsTopia
- Stardust
- SunnySpins Casino
- The Online Casino
Michigan’s push against prediction markets
The MGCB, along with the attorney general’s office, has been leading the charge against prediction markets offering sports event contracts.
The state most recently got Coinbase to retreat from offering those contracts the Great Lakes State this week.
Michigan won a preliminary injunction against Kalshi and got Robinhood to pause contracts in the state after a court-approved agreement between the parties last month.
