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Michigan regulators are intensifying efforts to shut down offshore gambling sites, as a new study from AI-driven iGaming analytics firm Blask highlights the state as a national leader in regulated market success.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued multiple cease-and-desist orders in recent months targeting unlicensed operators. Those enforcement actions align with broader industry findings showing Michigan outperforming other states in steering players toward legal Michigan online casinos and Michigan sportsbooks.
MGCB Public Information Officer Lisa Keith told PlayMichigan in an email:
“We’re pleased to see Michigan recognized as the top state in the country for directing consumers to regulated gaming markets.”
Michigan stands out as model for regulated success
The Blask study points to Michigan as the clearest example of effective regulation in the US:
“Michigan has established itself as a model regulated market – domestic brands command the highest CEB share of any US state, making it the clearest example of successful channelization at scale.”
According to the study, Michigan leads all fully regulated states, with roughly 75% of consumer activity flowing through legal operators.
Keith said that success is rooted in accessibility and trust.
“When consumers can easily find legal options that are safe, fair, and locally accountable, they choose them. Michigan has worked deliberately to build that environment, and this study reflects the impact of those efforts.”
The report also notes that “all five of the state’s top brands hold local licenses, leaving virtually no room for offshore competitors at the top.”
Offshore crackdown tied to long-term strategy
Michigan regulators’ enforcement efforts reflect a broader industry trend identified in the report.
“Full-spectrum regulation works – but takes time. Channelization is a multi-year process, not a switch.”
Blask found that six of seven fully regulated states have shifted a majority of betting activity to legal platforms, averaging about 62% channelization. Michigan significantly exceeds that mark.
Keith emphasized that Michigan’s results are the product of sustained enforcement efforts:
“We have been frontrunners in the national effort to combat illegal internet gaming.
“Our enforcement efforts never stop. We continually identify new illegal sites, open investigations, and issue cease-and-desist notices – and we will not relent.”
Enforcement campaign targets offshore operators
The MGCB has taken a multi-pronged approach to limiting illegal gambling in the state.
Keith noted the agency has “executed a large-scale cease-and-desist campaign, sending hundreds of letters to offshore operators targeting Michigan residents.”
One includes a high-profile bout with Bovada, a well-known offshore sports wagering site. That resulted in the operator exiting the state altogether in 2024.
In addition, regulators are working beyond operators themselves, Keith said.
“We actively engage with US-based suppliers that support offshore operators, applying pressure to end those business relationships or prevent these companies from operating in Michigan.”
The agency also pursues legal consequences when necessary, including working with law enforcement to bring charges or seize assets tied to illegal activity.
Competitive market continues to evolve
Even with strong channelization, Michigan’s legal market remains highly competitive.
The study highlights shifting dynamics among top operators, noting that “FanDuel leads by CEB (Competitive Earning Baseline) but lost BAP (Brand’s Accumulated Power) share in 2025.”
Meanwhile, “Fanatics posted the strongest YoY CEB growth in the top 10 at over 200%, while theScore also gained significant ground during the year,” according to the study.
Those shifts reflect a maturing legal market that continues to grow while offshore influence declines.
Michigan sets the pace for other states
Michigan’s success is also part of a broader national effort to curb illegal gambling, Keith said.
“We’re proud of the progress being made in Michigan, and many other states also deserve recognition for their commitment to addressing illegal gambling. A growing number of jurisdictions are working together on this issue, and that cooperation is yielding real results.”
She added that regulators expect continued momentum toward legal markets, while calling for additional federal support to address offshore operators.
With continued enforcement and strong market performance, Michigan is positioning itself as a blueprint for how states can effectively push back against offshore gambling.
