Michigan regulator issues cease-and-desist warning to Curaçao-based bookmaker
Duranbah Limited has been ordered to shutter its MyBookie.ag offering to Michigan-based players within 14 days
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited, the operator of MyBookie.ag, for offering online casino and sports betting without a license.
The Great Lake State regulator has turned its attention to the Curaçao-based firm, which offers live-dealer games like blackjack, roulette, as well as slots and poker alongside sports and horse racing wagering.
MyBookie.ag also offers several different deposit options, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and MoneyGram.
However, players looking to withdraw funds are only able to via bank wire transfer or bitcoin.
The MGCB’s investigation into the unlicensed operator discovered several breaches of state laws, with MyBookie.ag falling foul of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.
Breaches of the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act can carry a punishment of up to 10 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.
As a result, Duranbah Limited has 14 days from receipt of the cease-and-desist letter to halt all services for Michigan-based players.
The regulator has warned that if that order is ignored, the MGCB is willing to work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to take further legal action.
MGCB executive director Henry Williams used the investigation as an opportunity to reaffirm the regulator’s commitment to ensuring all operators are compliant with state rules.
“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws,” Williams explained.
“We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming.”
The MGCB also publicly urged players to express caution when participating in online gaming and to take time to determine the legality of the operator they are wagering with.
Michigan’s regulator has been active in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the governing body hit TwinSpires with a summary suspension order for non-compliance of the state’s horse racing laws.
The Churchill Downs subsidiary was ruled to have breached Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995 after continuing to accept advance deposit wagering (ADW) bets amid a licensing issue, despite being instructed not to by the regulator.
Cease-and-desist letters have emerged as a common tool among state regulators to push back against offshore businesses.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has sent 11 such letters to various companies, including sweepstakes operators.