Michigan regulator issues cease-and-desist orders to 13 more unlicensed operators
Latest action takes the total number of warnings from the MGCB to 30 since the start of March, as authority looks to clamp down on illegal activity
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 13 illegal offshore websites as part of its latest crackdown on unregulated gambling activity.
Captain Jack Casino, Casino Brango, Ducky Luck Casino, El Royale Casino, Jazz Casino, and Jazz Sports Casino Racebook were all found to have violated Michigan law.
The MGCB also found Looselines, Planet 7 Casino, Red Dog Casino, Royal Oak Casino, Silver Oak Casino, Skybook, and Slots of Vegas were operating illegally.
The regulator’s update noted these unlicensed sites were based in various jurisdictions, including Curaçao, Costa Rica, and the autonomous island of Anjouan.
All of the sites in question allowed players to deposit funds via several different payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, the sites were accused of “dishonest practices,” which the MGCB outlined as the restriction of withdrawals, as well as making players hit “often unreasonable” wagering thresholds before being allowed to access their funds.
Engaging with the sites in question leaves players at risk of financial exploitation, the MGCB added.
The Michigan regulator has also said the sites that have been ordered to halt operations in the state fail to meet the authority’s standards in several metrics, including responsible gaming, consumer protection, and data security.
All operators behind the sites have 14 days from receipt of the letters to halt all unlawful activities or face the risk of further legal action.
Henry Williams, MGCB executive director, explained: “These illegal gambling websites put Michigan residents at significant personal and financial risk.
“Our priority is to maintain a secure and regulated gaming environment. These websites not only violate Michigan’s laws but also engage in deceptive practices that endanger consumers, including withholding winnings and imposing unfair wagering requirements.”
The authority noted that this latest round of cease-and-desist orders will serve as a warning to other offshore operators looking to circumvent Michigan’s regulatory framework.
The update comes a week after the MGCB sent similar instructions to two unlicensed Curaçao-based sites – Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino – both of which are operated by Alistair Solutions NV.
The regulator received a tip off about the sites, before conducting an investigation that found several online casino games such as slots, table games, and video poker were all accessible to Michigan-based players.
Both sites are deemed to be in violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which carries a punishment of up to a $100,000 fine, up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
Since the start of March, the MGCB has sent 30 cease-and-desist orders to illegal offshore sites, 10 of which were all run by Belize-based Apex Dynamics.
Elsewhere, the regulator confirmed to EGR North America that it has opened an investigation into sports event contracts and the presence of prediction markets in Michigan.