Michigan Regulators Strike 12 Offshore Operators in Ongoing Enforcement Sweep
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) executed a new wave of enforcement actions, targeting the unregulated gambling sector. The agency issued cease-and-desist orders to twelve offshore entities accused of soliciting bets from Michigan residents without legal authorization.
Targeting the Unlicensed Network
The MGCB identified a dozen specific platforms operating in violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Lawful Sports Betting Act.
The listed entities include a mix of cryptocurrency-focused casinos and general betting sites: 31 Bets Casino, Betnuvo, BetPhoenix, Booty.bet, Jackpotter, Kings Chance Casino, Mybitcoin Casino, Starbets, The Virtual Casino, This Is Vegas, Vegas Strip Casino, and xWin90.
State investigations confirmed that these operators allowed Michigan residents to wager real money despite holding no licenses to operate within the jurisdiction.
Executive Director Henry Williams described the agency’s approach as “relentless.” He emphasized that these platforms operate without the oversight required to ensure game integrity or payout security.
The MGCB explicitly warned consumers that using these sites leaves them with no legal recourse in disputes over winnings or deposits.
By cutting off access to these operators, the state aims to funnel traffic back to authorized platforms that contribute tax revenue and adhere to consumer protection mandates.
A Multi-Year Campaign Against the Gray Market
This specific enforcement action continues a systematic campaign that intensified throughout 2024 and 2025. Michigan has established itself as one of the most litigious jurisdictions regarding offshore and gray-market gambling.
Earlier waves of cease-and-desist letters successfully forced major offshore brands, including Bovada, MyBookie, and BetOnline, to restrict access for Michigan users.
The regulator also targeted horse racing operators in late 2024, issuing notices to companies like Churchill Downs for operating without specific state-level affiliations, though this sparked a federal legal battle where Churchill Downs secured a preliminary injunction to remain operational.
The state’s defensive posture extends beyond traditional casinos and sportsbooks. The MGCB has taken a hardline stance against prediction markets, classifying them as forms of illegal sports betting rather than financial derivatives.
In October, the board issued a strict warning to licensed operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel. The regulator stated that any collaboration with prediction platforms like Kalshi, or the offering of similar unapproved contracts, would jeopardize their licensure in Michigan.
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