MGCB Demands 13 Offshore Casinos to Exit Michigan’s Market

Michigan recently closed down a total of 13 illegal casinos based outside the US. Michigan’s Gaming Control Board is enforcing laws against illegal websites, threatening severe punishments against the lawbreakers. Bettors online demand security and fairness, and that’s precisely what the MGCB is trying to ensure. Read on for more information on how Michigan is protecting players and why illegal sites are being put under mounting pressure.

Michigan’s No-Nonsense Crackdown: 13 Rogue Casinos Ordered to Shut Down Now

3 Key Points

1. MGCB issued cease-and-desist letters to 13 sites that offered unlicensed online gambling.
2. Violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act can lead to up to 10 years in prison or a $100,000 fine.
3. The MGCB insists these actions protect Michigan residents from predatory, unreliable gambling experiences.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has renewed its offensive against unlicensed online casinos. This week, it issued cease-and-desist letters to 13 offshore operators. All named sites must halt gambling operations in the state within 14 days of receiving the notice.

In the first announcement, dated 2 April, the MGCB identified Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino as illegal operators. Both brands belong to Alistair Solutions NV in Curaçao. They provide slot games, table games, and video poker. According to the MGCB, these casinos violate the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and other state regulations. This includes the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which prescribes penalties up to 10 years in prison or a $100,000 fine.

Regulators accuse these operators of running unlicensed services. The MGCB’s letter outlines a 14-day deadline to stop serving Michigan residents. Failing to comply could spark legal action, with further sanctions and potential criminal prosecution.

Shortly afterward, on 3 April, the MGCB published a second bulletin. It detailed an additional 11 rogue sites: Shazam Casino, Highway Casino, SlotsRoom, Ruby Slots Casino, Las Atlantis Casino, Bet Big Dollar Casino, Blood Moon Casino, Spinfinity, Jumba Bet Casino, Grand Eagle Online Casino, and DogsFortune. Officials say these platforms also breach Michigan’s gaming laws. The MGCB highlights “deceptive” tactics, such as withholding winnings or setting excessive wagering requirements.

For example, some players had to re-wager their deposits multiple times before gaining withdrawal access. Under Michigan law, that pattern is illegal. As with the first two operators, the MGCB informed these 11 websites that they are in violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Michigan Penal Code. Each site now faces a cease-and-desist order, carrying the same 14-day deadline.

Michigan’s top gaming regulator, executive director Henry Williams, backs these stringent measures. He explains that safeguarding players is a priority. Shutting down unlicensed platforms ensures that residents can gamble without worrying about exploitative conditions. Williams says such actions help maintain the integrity of the state’s regulated market. They also protect consumers from unreliable operators who may vanish without paying winnings or obeying responsible gambling protocols.

The MGCB’s vigorous stance highlights the growing pressure on offshore casinos. Many such sites advertise themselves to Michigan gamblers but ignore the licensing process. The presence of these unregulated operators undercuts lawful options. Licensed companies fund state programs and adhere to consumer protection rules, while illegal sites avoid oversight.

This recent enforcement also underscores the MGCB’s willingness to crack down aggressively. The board has shown it will pursue foreign operators no matter where they are based. Even though these casinos are often registered in distant jurisdictions like Curaçao, the MGCB asserts that any site offering services in Michigan must follow state gaming laws. By issuing formal cease-and-desist letters, the MGCB signals an intent to escalate legal conflicts if necessary.

Despite a constantly evolving market, the MGCB wants to send a clear message. If your business does not hold a valid license, you cannot operate in Michigan. The board intends to keep building a safe environment for legal, regulated wagering. Consumers, in turn, can gamble with confidence on approved sites. If they choose offshore platforms, they risk unscrupulous behavior and minimal recourse.

The MGCB’s decisive move against 13 offshore casinos highlights Michigan’s zero-tolerance stance on unlicensed online gambling. These platforms now face a strict deadline to cease operations or risk harsh legal consequences. As the state continues cementing a secure and transparent gaming environment, regulators remain committed to identifying and shutting down rogue operators.