Six additional online casinos instructed to depart from Michigan gambling market
In Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is taking a firm stance against unlicensed online casinos that are operating in violation of the state's gambling laws. These casinos face cease-and-desist orders and potential monetary penalties for their unauthorized activities.
The MGCB has been active in issuing cease-and-desist letters to operators offering online casino games and sports betting without a license in Michigan. These letters emphasize that such activities breach state law. In a significant action to date, 19 unlicensed online gambling websites were targeted with enforcement letters in July 2025.
Regulators argue that this model places these casinos under the same rules as licensed sports betting and iGaming platforms. Previous targets include BetUS in May and BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag in April.
The MGCB is not only stopping at cease-and-desist orders. Operators found violating licensing rules or other regulatory requirements can be fined. For instance, Betfair was fined $40,000 for licensing violations in Pennsylvania, showing that similar fines could apply in Michigan as part of regulatory enforcement.
Players using these unlicensed sites face risks such as lack of legal protections and potential forfeiture of winnings. However, casual players are unlikely to be prosecuted. The state strictly restricts online gambling to licensed operators, including state-licensed casinos and certain approved tribal entities, and actively works to exclude individuals involved in fraudulent online gambling activities.
The MGCB has given six unlicensed online casinos 14 days to shut down operations in Michigan. Sweepstakes-style social casinos are a major focus for the MGCB as they blur the line between free-to-play games and real-money gambling. Since June, the MGCB has sent out 17 cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed gambling platforms.
The MGCB is continuing to monitor illegal gaming activity across the state, and additional investigations are underway. Failure to comply with this order could lead to additional legal action by the Michigan Attorney General. The MGCB's actions aim to protect players and maintain the integrity of the state's regulated gambling market.
- The MGCB's actions against unlicensed online casinos extend to fintech companies, with Betfair being fined $40,000 for licensing violations in Pennsylvania, indicating similar penalties could apply in Michigan.
- The Michigan Attorney General may take further legal action against unlicensed casinos that fail to comply with cease-and-desist orders issued by the MGCB, thereby enforcing regulations in the finance sector.
- The MGCB has been actively targeting unlicensed platforms offering casino-games, lotteries, and sports betting, including BetUS, BetOnline, SportsBetting.ag, and recently, six unlicensed online casinos in Michigan.
- As the gambling industry evolves, with trends leaning towards fintech and online platforms, the MGCB is vigilant in ensuring that both casino-personalities and players are protected, upholding the integrity of Michigan's regulated gambling market while curbing the rise of unlicensed casino-and-gambling activities.
