The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent cease-and-desist letters to a dozen offshore gambling sites last week. The operators targeted include BetPhoenix, Kings Chance Casino, and Vegas Strip Casino. Also on the list: 31 Bets Casino, Betnuvo, Jackpotter, and Starbets.
The Virtual Casino, This Is Vegas, and xWin90 received letters too.
Each site was offering online casino games or sports betting to Michigan residents without proper licensing. The MGCB completed investigations before issuing the orders. Henry Williams, the board’s executive director, didn’t mince words about the crackdown.
“Illegal online gambling sites operate without oversight, putting players at risk and undermining Michigan’s secure, regulated marketplace,” Williams said.
Why Michigan Takes Unlicensed Gambling Seriously
Michigan law requires all operators to get MGCB licensing before offering iGaming or sports wagering. The state’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act make this clear.
Sites without licenses create real problems for players. There’s no guarantee games are fair. Players can’t dispute results or claim withheld winnings, and there aren’t any protections if things go wrong.
The MGCB called these “significant risks” in its statement.
Michigan’s regulated market has grown fast. October’s total revenue hit $310.9m from iGaming and sports betting combined. That’s up 49.1% from the same month last year. Unlicensed sites threaten that growth.
What Happens Next for These Operators
The cease-and-desist orders demand immediate compliance. Operators must stop taking bets from Michigan residents right away.
If they don’t? The MGCB promised “additional enforcement action.” Williams said the board will take “relentless, decisive action” against unlicensed operators targeting state residents.
The regulator’s been busy lately. On November 4, it responded to a betting scandal in the NBA. That same day, it rolled out new responsible gaming requirements for licensed operators.
How This Fits Michigan’s Broader Enforcement Push
The new responsible gaming measures show Michigan’s getting tougher across the board. Licensed operators now face mandatory integrity monitoring. The MGCB reviews and approves all events and wager types before they go live.
Insider betting is banned outright. Operators must meet strict internal control requirements too.
These rules protect Michigan’s regulated market. They also make clear what licensed operators get in return for following the rules, which is legitimacy and market access.
The message to offshore sites is simple. Get licensed or get out. Michigan won’t let unlicensed operators undercut its regulated market or put residents at risk. The 12 cease-and-desist letters prove the state means business.
