Michigan Bans 33 Offshore Operators, Warns the Public
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced that it has cracked down on unlicensed gambling in the state, issuing cease-and-desist letters to dozens of offshore operators. The agency warned players that engaging in gambling on such sites carries significant problem gambling risks. The MGCB P…
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced that it has cracked down on unlicensed gambling in the state, issuing cease-and-desist letters to dozens of offshore operators. The agency warned players that engaging in gambling on such sites carries significant problem gambling risks. The MGCB Put 33 Offenders on the Chopping Block In its announcement, the MGCB confirmed that it has sent cease-and-desist letters to 33 offshore operators. According to the regulator, these included online sportsbooks, casinos, and sweepstakes platforms. The MGCB listed the violators, revealing them to be the following: Azartzona Casino Basepoker BingoMania BitofGold Cryptoplay Del Oro Casino Detective Slots Donbet Exclusive Casino Genie Jackpot Guangzhou Snail Interactive Technology Co., Ltd. Immersion Casino Online iWild Casino JacksPay Jurassic Slots L0tt0 Lucky Charm Sweep Lucky Rebel Magicianbet mBit Casino Odds Maker Raging Bull Slots Regal Casino and Sportsbook (also known as Wager Street) Ronin Slots Runewager Slot Paradise Sloto Tribe Sloto’Cash Online Casino Spin Dinero SpinsTopia Stardust SunnySpins Casino The Online Casino According to the MGCB, each of the listed companies offered a type of gambling, despite not possessing the required state license. This made them particularly dangerous to players, since unregulated companies do not follow the safer gambling standards typical for regulated businesses and do not offer self-exclusion. The Regulator Encouraged the Public to Be Vigilant Henry Williams, executive director at the MGCB, commented on the matter, highlighting the significant risks associated with using unlicensed sites. He explained that self-exclusion is a core tenet of regulated gambling and something that unregulated platforms do not respect. Offshore sites don’t respect it [self-exclusion]. They will take a deposit from someone who has asked for help, and the MGCB has no way to help that person get it back. These 33 letters put operators on notice that our residents are not an untapped market, and that anyone who thinks they can ignore our protections will hear from us. Henry Williams, executive director, MGCB The MGCB added that recent studies suggest that offshore gambling is increasingly common, with an estimated $673.6 billion being wagered on such platforms every year. To make matters worse, many players do not even realize that such platforms are illegal. The MGCB encouraged players to remain vigilant and avoid unlicensed platforms. The regulator also advised local players to use its online gaming and sports betting platforms at Michigan.gov/MGCB to check the legality of a service, in case they are uncertain. Finally, the body asked residents to report illegal gambling websites by emailing it or contacting its anonymous tip line.