Michigan Regulator Sends Cease-And-Desists to 13 Online Operators

The extermination of illegal online gambling sites is continuing.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced last Wednesday that it sent cease-and-desist letters to 13 illegal offshore platforms and online casinos. The regulator claimed the recipients were not licensed to operate in Michigan and therefore violated state law.

The MGCB also said these websites engaged in a variety of unfair practices, including restricting withdrawals and instituting a gaudy playthrough minimum before withdrawals could be processed.   

Preserving the market

The MGCB released a statement confirming it sent the cease-and-desist orders and reiterating its goal of protecting Michigan consumers.

“These illegal gambling websites put Michigan residents at significant personal and financial risk,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. “Our priority is to maintain a secure and regulated gaming environment.

“These websites not only violate Michigan’s laws but also engage in deceptive practices that endanger consumers, including withholding winnings and imposing unfair wagering requirements.”

Illicit operators were located in Curacao, Costa Rica, and the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, a volcanic region in the Comoro Islands between Madagascar and mainland Africa.

Unlicensed operators do not need to abide by basic state and federal laws. That means that customers are not entitled to any sort of consumer protection and face an increased risk of fraud.

The platforms that received cease-and-desists include the following.

• Captain Jack Casino
• Casino Brango
• Ducky Luck Casino
• El Royale Casino
• Jazz Casino
• Jazz Sports Casino Racebook
• Losselines
• Planet 7 Casino
• Red Dog Casino
• Royal Oak Casino
• Silver Oak Casino
• Skybook
• Slots of Vegas

Continuing to fight

The cease-and-desist orders instruct recipients to stop illegal activities—in this case, block Michigan users from accessing their website—within 14 days. The MGCB said it will work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action if this deadline is not met.

Michigan has been one of the most proactive states in preserving the integrity of its market. It was early in sending a cease-and-desist to Bovada’s parent company, Harp Media, and has found success in using these letters to rid its market of nefarious platforms.

Many other states followed suit, sending cease-and-desist letters to Harp Media and other entities offering illegal online casino games.

“These relentless actions are part of our ongoing effort to provide a transparent and trustworthy gaming environment for all Michigan residents,” Williams said. “We will continue to take necessary steps to protect players and maintain the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry.”

The MGCB said that anyone with information regarding online platforms can reach its hotline at 1-888-314-2682 or email MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.