MGCB Illegal Gambling Week: Michigan Targets Unlicensed Sites

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) joined gaming regulators around the world in recognizing Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, Nov. 9–13, and urged Michigan residents to make sure an online casino or sportsbook is licensed in Michigan before placing a bet, according to the MGCB’s announcement.

What the awareness campaign involves

The campaign was organized by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and is described as the first internationally coordinated effort to raise consumer awareness of the risks of unlicensed online gambling. IAGR launched a free online tool, CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, that lets consumers enter a gambling site’s web address and check available licensing information for participating IAGR member jurisdictions.

The MGCB is promoting the message "Play it safe. Bet legal." It said it will share IAGR campaign videos and social media content on its channels during the week and will continue the message through radio public service announcements throughout November.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said: "Illegal gambling doesn’t stop at state or national borders, and neither can our response." He added: "Working with IAGR and our fellow regulators lets us share information and act faster to protect players here in Michigan and around the world."

Enforcement against unlicensed operators and sports event contracts

The MGCB said it has sent hundreds of cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed online gambling operators. It also works with the Michigan Department of Attorney General on enforcement actions against illegal gambling and sports-related event contracts.

The MGCB cited these recent actions:

In September, the Michigan Department of Attorney General secured a preliminary injunction barring Kalshi from offering sports event contracts to people in Michigan.
In October, Coinbase agreed to stop offering sports-related event contracts, including those traded on Kalshi, to Michigan customers, following a similar agreement with Robinhood.
On Oct. 28, Polymarket US agreed to stop offering new sports-related event contracts in Michigan and to close open contracts held by Michigan residents by Nov. 25, under a federal court-approved agreement.

The MGCB said none of Kalshi, Coinbase, Robinhood or Polymarket US is licensed by the MGCB to accept sports wagers in Michigan.

Licensed-market protections and warning signs

Michigan’s licensed online casinos and sportsbooks must meet requirements enforced by the MGCB. These include verifying that players are 21 or older, protecting player funds and personal information, offering responsible gaming tools, honoring the state’s Responsible Gaming Database, and giving players a way to file complaints with the MGCB. Online casino games, online poker and sports betting in Michigan are for adults 21 and older.

The MGCB said illegal operators, including offshore websites, unlicensed sweepstakes casinos, and prediction markets offering sports contracts without a Michigan license, are not subject to those rules. Williams said: "When you play with an unlicensed operator, there’s no one verifying your age or identity, no one making sure your winnings get paid, and no regulator you can turn to when something goes wrong. Michigan built a legal market with real consumer protections, and we want every resident to know how to find it."

The MGCB advises consumers to check its list of licensed online casinos and sportsbooks, or use CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, before creating an account, depositing money or sharing personal information. It advises caution with sites that accept only cryptocurrency, promise guaranteed winnings, or do not ask users to verify age and identity. Because illegal sites may look legitimate and use flashy promotions and familiar-looking brands, the MGCB said appearance is not a reliable guide, and licensing in Michigan should be confirmed whether a site is promoted by an ad or an influencer. Suspected illegal gambling can be reported to the MGCB by phone or email.

Michigan residents can enroll in the state’s Responsible Gaming Database to exclude themselves from licensed gambling. The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential help 24 hours a day.

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Source: As reported by michigan.gov.

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