Michigan Gaming Regulator Issues 19 Cease-and-Desists in Largest Enforcement Yet

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continued the purification of its legal gambling market.

The state gaming regulator on Wednesday announced it had issued cease-and-desist orders to 19 unlicensed platforms, including illegal sports book and online casino operators. The MGCB referred to the situation as its “most sweeping enforcement action yet.”

Michigan is one of seven states that authorize legal online casinos. However, all iGaming and sports betting operators must receive licensing from the MGCB before they can legally offer their services.

Cleaning up the gambling market

The MGCB confirmed in its announcement that platforms that received cease-and-desist orders had 14 days to cease all operations in Michigan. Failure to comply with the order would result in legal action from the state attorney general’s office. 

Recipients of the cease-and-desist orders were accused of violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

“Illegal gambling operators threaten the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our gaming industry,” said MGCB executive director Henry Williams. “When companies offer games without proper licensing, Michigan players are left without the critical protections they deserve. That’s unacceptable, and we’re taking strong action to stop it.”

Platforms that received cease-and-desist orders ranged from well-established to newer operators, according to the announcement. The full list of recipients include:

• Bingo Village
• BITBET
• Café Casino
• Cocoa Casino
• Cyber Bingo
• Davinci’s Gold
• Desert Nights Casino
• Diamond Reels Online Casino
• Eclipse Casino
• Eternal Slots
• EuroBets Casino
• Fair Go Casino
• GoldWin Casino
• Ignition Casino
• Jackbit
• Jackpot Capital
• Paradise8
• Red Stag Casino
• Two Up Casino

Unwavering commitment

Michigan, along with many other states with legal gambling, has actively used cease-and-desist orders to rid its gaming market of unwanted nefarious operators. The MGCB and Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey as states with a similar regulatory approach and whose attorney generals acted against illegal operators.

Michigan’s state regulator also recently issued batches of five cease-and-desist orders in mid-June and 11 in late-April.

Unlicensed gambling platforms deprive consumers of basic safety guarantees. For example, they would not be liable for compensation in the event they were defrauded.

They also would not receive guaranteed personal security protection and could be limited by stringent withdrawal procedures, a tool used by many illegal operators to keep customers’ money locked in their accounts.

“These platforms operate in the shadows,” Williams said. “They’re not just skirting the rules — they’re exposing players to serious harm. Our job is to stop them, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

While the 19 platforms have already been told to shut down in Michigan, the MGCB also announced it is investigating BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino, which are believed to offer unlicensed sports betting and online casino games.