Michigan Begins Crackdown on 13 Offshore Gambling Sites

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
04/15/2025
Responsible Gambling
Photo by Michael Tighe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Michael Tighe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • The MGCB has issued cease & desist letters to 13 offshore operators
  • The offshore sites will have two weeks to shut down
  • Michigan would need assistance from the federal government to pursue legal action

The Wolverine State is looking to claw illegal sports betting operators out of the state.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a new round of cease-and-desist letters to 13 illegal operators. These offshore books have been operating in the state for years, but the regulator is now looking to push them out as Michigan's legal market grows.

The operators will have 14 days to comply with the demand to shut down.

Michigan Targeting Online Casinos and Sportsbooks

The MGCB is cracking down on illegal online casino and sportsbook operators. The operators include:

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

All 13 operators must respond to the letter within two weeks of receipt.

Illegal Operators Lead to Dangerous Conditions for Bettors

One of the primary reasons for the MGCB taking action is the safety of Michigan residents. Bettors using these sites don’t have any legal recourse or protection when using offshore platforms. That means an offshore operator could steal the money in a player's account without repercussions.

Offshore betting sites are also feeding the rise in problem gambling across the US. Bettors using these platforms often know they are illegal and therefore hesitate when struggling with gambling addiction. This creates a lonely and scary situation for people, usually leading to devastating consequences.

Will the Targeted Sites Comply With the Order?

The question now is how the 13 targeted operators will respond to the MGCB’s request to shut down. Sites like Bovada have complied with similar requests from several states, but this is a broader crackdown involving smaller operators.

While refusing the order could set up a legal battle, Michigan could not pursue it on its own. States do not have the legal powers to take on businesses outside the country. That means they would need the federal government's help, which may take time to pursue a lawsuit, assuming they agree to accept the case.

Offshore operators can choose to reject the state’s request and gamble that he federal government won’t step in. However, if the government decides to prioritize this, it could have far-reaching political implications for the operators and the countries where they are based.

Michael Savio covers the US online casino industry, giving readers insights and information they won’t find anywhere else. He has followed the retail industry since his time living in Las Vegas and has continued to do so as the online industry has taken off. Michael covers everything from online casino reviews to industry news, making him one of the most trusted insiders in the business. Check out Michael’s latest articles at casinos.com to see what he has to offer!