Michigan Regulator Orders Three More Unlicensed Casinos to Halt Operations

The MGCB determined that these websites were offering internet gaming services to Michigan residents without the required state license. The action orders each operator to immediately stop accepting bets from anyone in Michigan and to block residents from accessing their sites.

Unlicensed Activity Puts Players at Risk

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams emphasized that unlicensed sites violate state law and pose a serious threat to consumers. He noted that Michigan’s legal framework requires all operators to be licensed, and those who bypass the rules endanger players.

Williams stated, “When unlicensed operators target Michigan residents, they’re not just breaking the law—they’re putting players at risk.”

He stressed that illegal platforms lack oversight, consumer protections, and any guarantee that winnings will be paid out. The MGCB’s action is part of its continuous effort to protect players and maintain the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming market, which launched in January 2021.

Michigan’s Regulatory Requirements

Michigan maintains a strict regulatory system designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and security. Licensed operators in the state must adhere to several requirements:

• Partnership: They must partner with an authorized tribal or commercial casino in Michigan.

• Vetting: They must undergo rigorous background checks.

• Standards: They must comply with strict rules for game fairness, player protection, and responsible gaming.

Williams added that the legal system ensures games are fair, operators are accountable, and player information and funds are secure. When offshore or unregulated casinos bypass these established rules, it undermines the market’s credibility.

A Shared Responsibility to Report Illegal Sites

The MGCB encourages players to verify the legal status of any online gambling site before placing a wager by checking the list of approved operators at Michigan.gov/MGCB.

The agency also relies on public assistance to combat illegal gambling. Residents who suspect they have encountered an illegal platform are urged to report it.

Williams concluded, “Protecting Michigan players and keeping the gaming marketplace fair is a shared responsibility. When residents report illegal gambling, it helps us stop bad actors faster.”