MGCB Orders Five Unlicensed Websites to Cease and Desist

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced that it has cracked down on more illegal online gambling websites, asking them to leave the local market. The board’s leadership reiterated its commitment to protecting the local market from the influence of offshore companies.

The Five Sites Must Exit Michigan in 14 Days

On Friday, MGCB confirmed that it had sent cease-and-desist orders to a total of five iGaming operators. The board listed BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino as the violators, saying that all of them were actively targeting Michigan residents despite lacking the licenses necessary to do so.

The operators therefore violated Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code, the MGCB said.

The board provided further details about the five operators, describing their violations.

• BoVegas Casino – According to the MGCB, the site offered slots and table games despite lacking a license. The board further stated that the site left players vulnerable to fraud.
• BUSR – Just like BoVegas casino, BUSR operated without a license, offering both sports betting and casino gaming. To make matters worse, it operated without the consumer protections mandated by the MGCB.
• Cherry Gold Casino – The site offered a wide range of unlicensed gaming content, including slots and table games, exposing Michigan players to a variety of risks.
• Lucky Legends – Disguised as a VIP gaming site with tempting bonuses, the website operated without a license and did not follow Michigan regulations designed to ensure fairness.
• Wager Attack Casino – Another site offering both sports betting and iGaming, Wager Attack Casino lacked the license necessary to operate and, according to the MGCB, exposed consumers to unregulated practices.

The websites have 14 days to comply with the cease-and-desist orders, lest they face further legal action.

MGCB Vows to Protect the Market

In its release, the MGCB reminded players of the risks associated with unregulated sites, reminding them that such operators do not play by the rules. As a result, unlicensed sites lack the same transparency, do not always ensure fairness, and can expose players to harm. The MGCB concluded that players using such platforms “face unreliable payouts, unfair gaming practices, and have no legal recourse in case of disputes.”

Henry Williams, the MGCB’s executive director, slammed such sires, saying that they undermine the integrity of the local gaming industry. He vowed zero tolerance for such companies, saying:

We will not tolerate unlicensed gambling operations that exploit Michigan residents. Our top priority is to protect the public by enforcing the law and shutting down these illegal platforms.

Henry Williams, executive director, MGCB

Williams added that the board will continue to take “strong action” to protect the local market’s integrity and ensure that players in Michigan have access to a safer alternative.