Michigan gaming regulators continued their fight to keep unregulated sports betting and online casinos out of the state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced on Thursday that a cease-and-desist letter was issued to Duranbah Limited N.V., the parent company of offshore gaming operator MyBookie.ag.
Regulators gave the Curaçao-based company 14 days after receiving the letter to stop offering Wolverine State residents access to its sportsbook and online casinos or the MGCB would collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.
“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws,” MGCB executive director Henry Williams said. “We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming.”
Unlawful gaming
That investigation by MGCB found that MyBookie.ag violates three Wolverine State laws because it offers online-style casino games and accepts payments through various methods from customers.
The Lawful Internet Gaming Act says that only licensed operators can offer online gaming in the state, and only casinos federally authorized and under the Michigan Gaming and Control Revenue Act can apply for a license.
The Michigan Gaming and Control Act makes violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.
The Michigan Penal Code prohibits the use of money or anything of value in exchange for a payout on a game of chance.
Under fire
Michigan regulators say they are committed to “safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with Michigan’s gaming regulations.”
The MGCB sent a similar cease-and-desist letter to Bovada’s parent company Harp Media B.V., which is also based in Curaçao, in May 2024. Michigan regulators also vowed to go after Bovada’s onshore suppliers, but the offshore operator eventually adhered to Michigan’s threats and disabled access to Wolverine State residents.
Michigan also went after sweepstakes and daily fantasy sites that were operating unlawfully.
There are currently 15 online sportsbooks and mobile casinos operating in Michigan, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Three land-based casinos also operate in the state.
The Wolverine State generated a $5.5-billion handle from online and retail Michigan sports betting in 2024 and $470.2 million in gross revenue in 2024. iGaming produced $2.2 billion for operators last year, leading to a total of more than $465 million in gaming tax revenue for Michigan in 2024.
