Michigan takes new action against offshore gambling sites

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has been one of the most prolific gambling watchdogs to act against the offshore gambling market. The company has taken new action against the offshore gambling sector, naming several casinos and serving them with cease-and-desist letters and the customary 14-day compliance period.

Michigan takes aim at new round of offshore gambling sites

This is not the first time that the regulator has gone after the sector, with several such moves over the past months. In the latest enforcement action by the MGCB, the regulator named specifically BetWhale Casino, Black Lotus Casino, Coins Game Casino, Love2playCasino, and Orion Stars 777 Players.

Henry Williams, the Executive Director at the MGCB, said that the "illegal platforms" violated Michigan’s gaming regulations and put consumers at risk by offering them essential protections. The MGCB said that the websites had violated the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code, among others.

The regulator also said that although the operators offered traditional payment methods such as bank cards and cryptocurrencies, they applied strict withdrawal conditions with the most egregious transgression, the MGCB argued, being that the operators force players to play through their deposits several times before they can release it.

"Our top priority is safeguarding Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gaming activities are conducted legally and safely. These operators must stop their activities or face additional legal consequences," Williams said.

MGCB steps up enforcement in 2025

Only several weeks ago, the MGCB undertook similar action against 9 other offshore gambling sites. In both instances, the regulator threatened that it would be willing to reach the state’s Attorney General’s Office and pursue offenders who fail to comply with the cease-and-desist orders.

In late January, the MGCB went after MyBookie. Overall, the regulator has successfully targeted some of the biggest offshore gambling companies in the United States. This is unlikely to be the last time the regulator has cracked down on unlicensed operators.

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