Michigan Begins Crackdown on 13 Offshore Gambling Sites

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 is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
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