Michigan Gaming Regulator Targets Additional Illegal Sites

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the state's gambling authority, has taken measures against more than a dozen operators it identifies as illegal gambling sites. Initially, the regulator sent cease-and-desist letters to Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino on April 2. Both casinos are located in Curaçao and managed by Alistair Solutions NV. Henry Williams, the Executive Director of the MGCB, emphasized the board's commitment to taking action against any operator engaging in unlawful business activities in the Great Lakes State.

This agency maintains a strict no-tolerance policy toward illegal gambling. We remain committed to using our regulatory authority to safeguard the interests of Michigan citizens and licensed operators, ensuring that all online gambling activities here adhere to legal standards. The following day, the MGCB took similar action against 11 additional websites found to be operating illegally in the state. This list included various sites that did not possess the required licenses to operate. This second enforcement action served as another clear message to illegal operators: the MGCB is steadfast in its resolve to address any unauthorized websites and operators in Michigan. Regarding the cease-and-desist orders issued to the 11 websites, the regulator further detailed how these sites used various payment methods—such as credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies—to entice players from within the state. The MGCB described these websites as risky gambling environments that employed deceptive practices to the disadvantage of players.

The regulator announced that offshore websites targeting Michigan players often withhold payments and impose excessive wagering requirements. Many players report being required to wager their deposits multiple times before they can access their winnings, a practice that is not only unethical but also violates Michigan’s legal protections for gamblers, stated a press release from the MGCB. Operators and websites that receive a cease-and-desist letter have 14 days to comply by exiting the market and stopping any operations in Michigan.