The board said it had issued cease-and-desist orders to operators that were offering online casino games or sports wagering to Michigan residents without a valid state license. As per the regulator, the action is aimed at companies that bypass Michigan’s licensing system while still trying to reach local players. Executive Director Henry Williams said the state would keep identifying and pursuing sites that target residents without meeting Michigan’s legal standards.
Who Faced Restrictions
Among the companies named in the latest round are offshore gaming platforms like CandyLand Casino, BetOnline.ag, and Americas Card Room. All the operators listed can be found at the agency’s official website.
Under Michigan law, online casino gaming and sports wagering may be offered to people in the state only by operators licensed and authorized by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Lawful Sports Betting Act, and associated Michigan statutes. That requirement applies regardless of where a site is based.
Why Michigan Keeps Pressing the Issue
Michigan sees the issue going beyond that of licensing alone. The board claims that unlicensed sites pose risks for gamblers. The dangers cited by the regulator include withheld payouts, unfair or manipulated games, poor dispute resolution measures, and potential loss of sensitive data.
That reasoning helps explain why the board consistently makes comparisons between offshore entities and the controlled market. Background checks, audits, ongoing regulatory oversight, and responsible gambling requirements are obligations for licensed companies in Michigan. Unlicensed sites, in turn, operate independent of such measures.
Furthermore, the board indicated that those not complying with the orders might be subject to additional civil or criminal penalties. The MGCB said it works closely with state law enforcement partners.
This Did Not Start With the Latest Orders
Michigan had been escalating enforcement throughout 2025. That included action against nine unlicensed online casinos in February, five in March, 13 in April, 14 in May, and additional batches in June, July, September, November, and December. That points to a regulator moving from isolated warnings to repeated pressure.
The most recent batch from Michigan suggests that the board is determined to make illegal market entry more difficult and unpredictable. Offshore gambling seems to be an ongoing concern for the state rather than a one-off compliance problem.
