MGCB orders 45 more gambling websites to exit

• The MGCB has gone after more gambling websites in the Great Lakes State
• A total of 45 operators and brands were named by the regulator
• The MGCB will maintain pressure on what it sees as unregulated gambling

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continues to go after websites that it considers to be operating in breach of local gambling laws and without the necessary licensure.

The MGCB, as the regulator is known by its abbreviation, has handed 45 cease-and-desist letters and has told websites to comply and discontinue any unlicensed operations in the state, or risk facing more serious criminal and civil penalties.

MGCB outlines action against unauthorized gambling websites

The regulator presented a full list of mostly offshore operators as part of its official press release. In a statement, the watchdog’s Executive Director, Henry Williams, added that the state has zero tolerance for "illegal operators" targeting residents, and that any business is obligated to comply with local laws.

"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," Williams added.

Michigan has been systematically going after websites that it believes are breaching local gambling laws, whether that concerns sweepstakes social casinos or more traditional sportsbooks and real money casinos.

The MGCB has cited the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Lawful Sports Betting Act as the statutes that allow it to interfere in the cases of operators that it deems have been offering the prohibited products without proper authorization from the regulator, which is tasked with overseeing regulated gambling in the country.

Consumers need to beware of offshore gambling sites, regulator says

The MGCB has also used the latest issuance of cease-and-desist letters to remind consumers that by playing at such unregulated websites, they were exposing themselves to various harms - including the loss of personal and financial information.

Offshore companies, the MGCB reiterated, also had poor commitment to responsible gambling and consumer protection.

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