Michigan Gaming Control Board Targets Offshore Casinos for Violating State Laws

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has escalated its enforcement measures against unauthorized online gambling operators, issuing cease-and-desist letters to five offshore casinos. The regulator asserts that these sites, which are based in jurisdictions outside the U.S., are operating illegally within the state and must shut down their Michigan-facing services.

Offshore Operators Under Scrutiny

The five online casinos named in the enforcement action include BetWhale Casino, Coins Game Casino, and Love2play Casino, which are registered in Curaçao. Additionally, Black Lotus Casino, based in Belize, and Orion Stars 777 Players, operating from China, have been ordered to halt their Michigan operations. These platforms provide various gaming options, including slots, poker, blackjack, bingo, Keno, and sports betting, all without proper authorization from the MGCB.

Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, expressed concerns about the risks these platforms pose to players. “These illegal platforms not only violate Michigan’s gaming regulations but also put consumers at risk by offering unreliable withdrawal options and lacking essential consumer protections,” he stated. He further emphasized that the regulator’s priority is to ensure a safe and legal gaming environment in Michigan, warning that non-compliant operators will face further legal consequences if they do not comply.

Legal Violations and Consumer Risks

According to the MGCB, these offshore casinos are violating multiple Michigan gaming regulations, including:

• The Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which mandates that only licensed operators can offer online gambling within the state.
• The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, under which operating an unlicensed gambling platform is considered a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to $100,000.
• The Michigan Penal Code, which prohibits gambling operations that involve staking money with the expectation of a prize based on chance.

Additionally, the regulator raised concerns about the withdrawal policies of these sites, noting that some require players to wager their deposits multiple times before they can withdraw winnings. This practice makes it difficult for consumers to access their own funds, creating significant risks for Michigan residents engaging with these platforms.

The cease-and-desist letters provide the offshore operators with a 14-day deadline to exit the Michigan market. Should they fail to comply, the MGCB has stated that it will collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.

Michigan’s Firm Stance on Unlicensed Gambling

Michigan has been one of the most proactive states in the U.S. when it comes to regulating online gambling and cracking down on illegal operators. In recent months, the MGCB has taken enforcement action against several unlicensed online gaming platforms, including BetNow.eu. The regulator has also pursued cases against nine other operators attempting to circumvent Michigan’s gaming laws, some of which have falsely claimed to operate as sweepstakes platforms.

Past enforcement efforts have also included legal action against offshore brands such as Bovada and MyBookie, as well as sweepstakes-focused gaming companies like VGW and One Country. These ongoing measures highlight Michigan’s dedication to maintaining a well-regulated and transparent gaming industry.

Enhancing Regulatory Oversight

To strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling operations, Michigan has allocated nearly $2 million from its 2025 budget to expand the Michigan internet gaming and sports betting regulation. This funding, approved by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, is intended to bolster the state’s ability to investigate and shut down unauthorized gambling operations.

Williams reaffirmed the MGCB’s commitment to protecting Michigan residents and the integrity of the state’s gaming industry. “If people choose to ignore the law and don’t do what’s legal, we’re going to find them and hold them accountable for their actions,” he stated at a gaming law conference last year.

Michigan residents are encouraged to check the legitimacy of online gambling sites through the MGCB’s official website at Michigan.gov/MGCB. 

Source:Michigan Targets Offshore Online Casinos for Violating State Laws, lcb.org, March 9, 2025.