The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has ramped up its efforts to protect state residents from illegal gambling, issuing cease-and-desist orders to 11 offshore casinos operating without the necessary state licenses. These online platforms, which include 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, were found to be unlawfully targeting Michigan players, violating multiple state gaming laws.
A strong regulatory response:
The MGCB’s crackdown follows growing concerns over unlicensed gambling activities in the state. The 11 platforms were accused of offering illegal online slots, table games, and video poker to Michigan residents, without the required licenses mandated by Michigan’s gaming laws. The cease-and-desist letters were sent out after the MGCB found these casinos operating in direct violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
The MGCB has given the operators 14 days from receipt of the letters to halt their illegal operations, warning that failure to comply will lead to legal action in cooperation with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
In a statement published by regulator, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a secure and lawful gambling environment for Michigan residents. “The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains fully committed to ensuring a fair, safe, and lawful gaming environment for all Michigan residents,” Williams said. “Our actions today underscore our unwavering dedication to holding illegal operators accountable. Shutting down these unlicensed platforms is critical not only to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry but also to protecting residents from predatory practices and unreliable gambling experiences.”
The MGCB’s aggressive stance is aimed at safeguarding consumers from deceptive and harmful practices commonly associated with unregulated gambling. These illegal websites have been reported to engage in withholding winnings, imposing excessive wagering requirements, and using deceptive tactics to lure unsuspecting players into risky gambling environments.
The illegal platforms targeted by the MGCB employ various payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies to attract Michigan residents. However, these sites often fail to adhere to critical state standards for responsible gaming and consumer protection. Players have reported significant issues, including the inability to withdraw winnings until they meet high wagering thresholds. Many players have also experienced delays in receiving payouts or have had their winnings withheld entirely.
In addition to financial risks, these unlicensed platforms expose users to serious security threats, including potential fraud, identity theft, and other forms of financial exploitation. The lack of proper regulation leaves users vulnerable to unscrupulous operators who are not subject to state oversight.
A Clear Message to Offshore Operators
The actions taken by the MGCB send a strong message to offshore operators attempting to bypass Michigan’s legal gaming framework. The agency’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal gambling activities is evident in its decisive enforcement measures. MGCB has emphasized that any operator found to be violating state laws will face significant consequences.
This latest round of enforcement comes after similar actions against other illegal operators. In recent weeks, the MGCB has also sent cease-and-desist letters to other offshore casinos, including Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino, which were also found to be targeting Michigan residents without the appropriate licenses. The MGCB has made it clear that this is just the beginning of a broader initiative to eliminate unlicensed operators from the state.
The MGCB urges Michigan residents to be vigilant when engaging in online gambling and to verify the legitimacy of any platform before playing. Only state-licensed operators are authorized to offer legal online gaming in Michigan. The MGCB provides a list of approved operators on its website, and residents are encouraged to consult this list to avoid illegal platforms.
Those who encounter suspicious gambling activities are encouraged to report them to the MGCB via their hotline or by email. The MGCB is also actively monitoring the online gambling landscape, ensuring that only licensed operators maintain a presence in the state.
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Vanja Mitic 2025-04-04 13:53:36
