Michigan goes after 33 illegal and offshore gambling websites

• MGCB targets 33 new offshore gambling websites, argues they have been operating without a license
• The move comes after 45 websites were targeted in a similar move in April 2026
• The MGCB argues that offshore websites fail to uphold state laws, operate without a license, and are a danger to consumers

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a total of 33 cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling websites that the regulator claims have been operating without the required permits in the state.

MGCB targets offshore websites over lack of licenses in the state

These websites offer online casino games, sweepstake-style games, and sports betting to Michigan residents, the MGCB explained in an official statement, naming each and every one of the 33 operators in question.

This is one of the watchdog’s most ambitious enforcement actions, targeting dozens of websites that have been studied and examined by the regulator in a detailed manner, and eliciting a follow-up response.

The MGCB further added that operators sent letters to those who did not comply with the state’s Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, a repository of people who have been excluded from gambling because of excessive and compulsive behavior.

Commenting on the latest enforcement move, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams added:

"Offshore sites don’t respect it. They will take a deposit from someone who has asked for help, and the MGCB has no way to help that person get it back. These 33 letters put operators on notice that our residents are not an untapped market, and that anyone who thinks they can ignore our protections will hear from us."

Breaking the law, putting consumers in danger

The MGCB further explained that players who connected with offshore websites had no access to self-exclusion, deposit limits, and other responsible gaming tools that licensed operators are required by law to support.

Furthermore, there is no independent testing to ensure that the games offered by these casinos are in fact fair, and there are limited and often poor safeguards when it comes to personal and financial information protection, the MGCB noted.

The MGCB said that companies operating games of chance in the Great Lakes state must be licensed under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Lawful Sports Betting Act to do so.

The latest move follows a similar enforcement action taken by the MGCB in April 2026, when the regulator targeted 45 websites.

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