Michigan issues new round of cease-and-desist letters against illegal gambling sites

• The MGCB has issued a new round of cease-and-desist letters intended for unlicensed gambling operators in the state
• The Board is taking proactive measures to limit the influence of such offshore gambling companies while warning locals to steer clear of them
• The MGCB is similarly cracking down on prediction markets, despite their incorporation into the mainstream

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continues its crackdown against illegal gambling websites that are unlawfully targeting residents in the Great Lakes State and offering them unsafe and unregulated games of chance.

MGCB keeps the heat on illegal gambling operators

In a new enforcement measure announced last week, the MGCB has issued 12 cease-and-desist letters targeting various companies that are not authorized by the regulator to offer games of chance or sports betting products locally.

The MGCB is the regulator that oversees the gambling sector in the state, and any entity that wishes to provide such products needs to have a seal of approval from the watchdog. In the case of the 12 websites mentioned by the regulator, this was not the case.

The MGCB targeted 31 Bets CasinoxWin90, Vegas Strip Casino, My Bitcoin Casino, Betnuvo,BetPhoenix,Booty.bet,Jackpotter,Kings Chance Casino, The Virtual Casino,This Is Vegas,and Vegas Strip Casino, all of which have been identified to be in breach of local gambling laws.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams commented on the latest enforcement action and gave further information about the crackdown against the identified wrongdoers.

"Illegal online gambling sites operate without oversight, putting players at risk and undermining Michigan’s secure, regulated marketplace. We will continue to take relentless, decisive action to prevent unlicensed operators from targeting Michigan residents and ensure that all gaming is conducted lawfully and responsibly."

Unregulated gambling websites pose significant risks

The MGCB’s statement argued that local players ought to avoid unauthorized operators as they often posed great risks to financial data, personal security, and poor security measures against gambling-related harm.

The watchdog also urged residents who have come across unauthorized gambling websites to similarly submit a tip to the agency. Operators licensed by the MGCB are among the best online casinos in the United States.

At the same time, the MGCB has been fighting another uphill battle – trying to keep prediction markets at bay. In a warning to licensed sportsbooks back in October, the regulator said that licensed operators may not launch prediction markets.

This opposition is still ongoing despite recently announced deals by CNN and CNBC for Kalshi data, further solidifying the vertical’s presence in the mainstream.

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