Michigan Goes After 45 Illegal Gambling Websites

Gambling licenses in Michigan are issued by the Michigan Gambling Control Board (MGCB), and it is the Board that oversees the industry. Now, the regulator has issued 45 cease-and-desist letters to companies that it has found to be operating illegally in the state. 

MGCB Takes Aim at Dozens of “Illegal” Gambling Websites

These “offshore gambling operators” have been offering their services to residents without the necessary licenses, the watchdog clarified, threatening furthe legal action if the named operators failed to comply.

By not shutting down at request, any lingering operator would be liable to civil and criminal enforcement measures, the MGCB further warned. As has become customary in such instances, the regulator has similarly launched an appeal to the public, warning consumers about the implied dangers of connecting to and playing at such unregulated websites. 

The MGCB has cautioned that playing at unregulated websites puts people at risk of unfair or/and/or manipulated games, as well as misuse of personal and financial information. 

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams commented on the latest enforcement action: 

“The scope of this action sends a clear message: Michigan will not tolerate illegal operators targeting our residents or undermining the lawful businesses that have invested in complying with state law. Our investigators work with unwavering focus to identify, document, and act against every unlicensed site that puts Michigan players at risk. This is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to take action against illegal gambling operators.”

The MGCB has also not hesitated to caution local license holders that certain activities could yet endanger their status within the country, with prediction markets off limits.

The state has similarly pursued action against sweepstakes operators, which it largely sees as an unlicensed form of gambling.