The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continues to lead the way as states across the U.S. keep grappling with unlicensed offshore casinos. In a Wednesday release, the MGCB announced an expanded crackdown on five unregulated operators based in Curacao, Belize, Costa Rica, and China.
“These illegal platforms not only violate Michigan’s gaming regulations but also put consumers at risk by offering unreliable withdrawal options and lacking essential consumer protections,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said via the release. “Our top priority is safeguarding Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gaming activities are conducted legally and safely. He continued, “These operators must stop their activities or face additional legal consequences.”
According to the release, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist letters to the operators, which reportedly include multiple violations of state laws such as illegal withdrawal practices and unauthorized gambling services related to games of chance.
“Michigan residents are urged to exercise caution when engaging in online gaming,” the statement added. “The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains committed to protecting the well-being of Michigan residents and ensuring that all online gaming activities are safe, fair, and regulated.”
Michigan continues efforts
The Wolverine State is among the most aggressive and vigilant when pushing back on illegal or unlicensed operators. Just last month, the MGCB issued nine cease-and-desist letters to various online casinos, found to be violating Michigan laws and “posed significant risks to consumers.” The state was also notably the first to take on Bovada last May, successfully issuing a cease-and-desist that prompted other states to follow suit.
Michigan also backed up enforcement efforts by a sizable allocation from the state legislature in fighting against unregulated operations. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put aside nearly $2 million of the state’s 2025 budget towards “internet gaming and sports regulation.”
“If people choose to ignore the law and don’t do what’s legal, we’re going to find them and hold them accountable for their actions,” Williams outlined at a gaming law conference last year. “In Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has made it a priority to do everything we can to protect our state’s citizens from illegal gambling market operators and our legitimate gaming industry from being tarnished by its illegal counterparts. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal gaming activities.”
