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Michigan Regulators Target 19 Suspected Illegal Gambling Operators

Michigan gaming board says it recently sent 19 cease-and-desist letters to operators suspected of illegal gambling

Michigan gaming regulators target suspected illegal gambling operations.
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Corey Sharp Avatar
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The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced Wednesday that it issued 19 cease-and-desist letters to illegal gambling operators. It’s the largest enforcement action the MGCB has taken to date.

The board has been aggressive in chasing illegal gambling businesses out of Michigan, said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

“Illegal gambling operators threaten the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our gaming industry. When companies offer games without proper licensing, Michigan players are left without the critical protections they deserve.

“That’s unacceptable, and we’re taking strong action to stop it.”

Michigan offers 15 legal online casinos and 12 sports betting platforms.

Operators that received cease-and-desist letters

The MGCB sent letters to operations that have violated Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Lawful Sports Betting Act, and related laws, including the Michigan Penal Code. The following platforms received letters:

  • Bingo Village
  • BITBET
  • Café Casino
  • Cocoa Casino
  • Cyber Bingo
  • Davinci’s Gold
  • Desert Nights Casino
  • Diamond Reels Online Casino
  • Eclipse Casino
  • Eternal Slots
  • EuroBets Casino
  • Fair Go Casino
  • GoldWin Casino
  • Ignition Casino
  • Jackbit
  • Jackpot Capital
  • Paradise8
  • Red Stag Casino
  • Two Up Casino

Williams said the MGCB’s priority is to protect Michigan residents.

“These platforms operate in the shadows. They’re not just skirting the rules – they’re exposing players to serious harm. Our job is to stop them, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Other platforms under investigation

While the MGCB took action against 19 operators, another five are under active investigation. Those companies and suspected infractions include:

  • BoVegas Casino: Offers casino-style games without meeting Michigan’s licensing standards.
  • BUSR: An online sportsbook and casino operating without oversight or consumer protections.
  • Cherry Gold Casino: Lures players with promotions but fails to comply with Michigan law.
  • Lucky Legends: Offers bonuses and a “VIP” experience without any regulatory accountability.
  • Wager Attack Casino: Provides unlicensed sports betting and casino games to Michigan players.

The MGCB laid out the following risk Michigan players can face when dealing with unlicensed operators:

  • No guaranteed payout of winnings
  • Exposure to unfair or rigged games
  • No recourse in the event of disputes or fraud
Corey Sharp Avatar
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Corey Sharp joined Catena Media in 2022 and is the go-to expert for Michigan gambling. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he previously worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and NBC Sports Philadelphia as a sports journalist and content producer. In Corey’s role as Lead Writer for PlayMichigan, he works alongside a talented team of expert journalists and analysts to bring you the most comprehensive and accurate coverage of gambling news in Michigan. Corey’s contacts around the industry makes him a trusted source. Corey produces daily stories and features about the gambling space. Corey graduated from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

View all posts by Corey Sharp

Corey Sharp joined Catena Media in 2022 and is the go-to expert for Michigan gambling. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he previously worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and NBC Sports Philadelphia as a sports journalist and content producer. In Corey’s role as Lead Writer for PlayMichigan, he works alongside a talented team of expert journalists and analysts to bring you the most comprehensive and accurate coverage of gambling news in Michigan. Corey’s contacts around the industry makes him a trusted source. Corey produces daily stories and features about the gambling space. Corey graduated from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

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