Michigan Sends More Cease And Desists To Offshore Outlets

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has issued more cease and desist notices to offshore gaming companies. This comes after Michigan’s May 2024 notice to Bovada. 

It’s unclear if these offshore gaming companies will comply with the order, but the notices have been sent. 

The Offshore Outlets Michigan is Taking Aim At

Last week, on October 3 and October 4, Michigan sent cease and desist notices to Ace23 and Papaya Gaming. 

Together, these outlets own companies and sites like Ace Per Head, Bingo Cash, Bubble Cash, Solitaire Cash, 21 Cash, and more. 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a news release saying these companies violated three state laws and must comply within 14 days or face legal action. 

The letters sent to other offshore outlets have been successful, but we’ll see if they are with Papaya and Ace23. 

Michigan is Not Backing Down

These cease and desist notices mark the third one the MGCB has sent in the last two months. 

The first in this series came in August when they sent a notice to OC Media Holdings LLC, which operates as One Country Give, which is located in Arkansas. 

While not offshore, the MGCB still deems it an unlicensed platform. 

In doing this, Michigan is aiming to maximize its possible tax revenue. 

This will also put customers in a position to play at sites that have consumer protections and safeguards that these sites don’t offer. 

To this point, all companies hit with a notice have complied, so it’s unclear what Michigan would actually do if there was no compliance. 

The MGCB appears to have no issue sending these notices and will continue doing so. 

What Happened with One Country Give? 

One Country Give is an online platform offering lotteries and raffles that require membership fees.

Michigan said the site violated the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board will not, and does not, tolerate activities that circumvent our laws and threaten the integrity of the highly regulated gaming industry in Michigan.

We are committed to upholding state law to ensure a fair and honest gaming environment for all Michigan citizens, and we will keep issuing cease-and-desist letters and taking appropriate legal actions to halt illegal gaming in the state of Michigan.”