Michigan Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations

On January 23, 2025, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued a cease-and-desist order to Duranbah Limited N.V., the company behind the online gambling platform MyBookie.ag, which is based in Curaçao. The operator has been instructed to cease offering its services to Michigan residents within 14 days. Failure to comply could result in legal action, with the MGCB working alongside the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

This order stems from an investigation that found MyBookie.ag offering a wide range of casino-style games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker, as well as sports and horse race betting—all without the necessary state-issued license. The MGCB’s action underscores its commitment to regulating gambling within Michigan, ensuring that only licensed operators can legally provide online gaming services.

Regulatory Violations Identified by MGCB

The MGCB highlighted multiple violations of Michigan’s gambling laws, which are designed to protect consumers and ensure that only approved operators conduct gaming activities. These laws include:

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act: This act limits legal online gaming to operators who are licensed and affiliated with state-regulated casinos. MyBookie.ag does not meet this requirement and is therefore in violation of the law.
• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: The MGCB outlined that operating a gambling business without the proper license is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000, or both.
• Michigan Penal Code: Engaging in gambling activities involving monetary transactions and uncertain outcomes is strictly prohibited without the necessary authorization, and MyBookie.ag failed to meet these requirements.

Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, emphasized that the board’s actions are critical for maintaining a legal and fair gambling environment in Michigan. "We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming," he said, reinforcing the importance of regulatory oversight to protect both consumers and the integrity of the state’s gaming market.

MyBookie.ag’s Payment Practices Under Scrutiny

The MGCB’s investigation also raised concerns regarding the payment methods accepted by MyBookie.ag. The platform allowed a variety of payment methods for deposits, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin), and MoneyGram. However, withdrawals were restricted to Bitcoin or bank wire transfers. This practice has raised concerns regarding potential non-compliance with financial regulations, as these withdrawal methods may not fully adhere to Michigan's standards for consumer protection.

The MGCB's action aims to ensure that gambling platforms not only comply with licensing requirements but also adhere to best practices in payment processing and consumer protection.

Should MyBookie.ag fail to comply with the cease-and-desist order within the specified 14-day window, the MGCB has stated that it will collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action. This could include further enforcement to prevent the operator from continuing its unlawful operations in the state.

As part of the MGCB's ongoing efforts to protect Michigan residents, the agency has issued a public reminder to all players to verify the legality of online gambling sites before engaging in any betting activities. The MGCB also offers a list of authorized and licensed online gaming providers on its official website, ensuring that players can make informed decisions and avoid using unregulated platforms.

What Michigan Residents Should Do

The MGCB has urged Michigan residents to be cautious when participating in online gambling. If players suspect that a platform is operating without proper authorization, they are encouraged to report it to the MGCB. The agency has provided several ways to report suspected unlicensed gambling operations, including a dedicated phone line (1-888-314-2682) and email (MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov).

Source:
Michigan Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations, lcb.org, January 25, 2025.