Michigan Authority Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to 13 Online Businesses
From the desk of Grant Mitchell, a sports enthusiast, former NCAA track athlete, and sports betting aficionado. Find me at Grant Mitchell's Corner or get quick takes on the latest sports betting headlines on the go with me! 📱🏈🏀🏉
Offshore Sports Betting Operations in Michigan Under the Spotlight
Michigan's gaming regulators are stepping up efforts to curb illegal offshore sports betting activities. Here's the lowdown on their recent actions:
The Wave of Crackdowns
Between April 9 and April 23, 2025, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) took aim at a swarm of unauthorized gambling websites operating within the state. This wave included 11 fresh targets in addition to the 13 hit earlier in the month[1][2][3].
These cease-and-desist orders require the offending operators to halt their services to Michigan residents within 14 days. If they can't or won't comply, the MGCB will team up with the Attorney General's Office to take legal action[3][4].
The Scoundrels in the Spotlight
Some of the enterprises in the MGCB's crosshairs include the following, among others: 7 Bets Casino, ABC Islands Casino, Bookmaker.eu, Cherry Jackpot Casino, Club Player Casino, NinBet Casino, PitBet, Prism Casino, SlotsNBets, VIP Slots Casino, and Wild Vegas Casino[3]. Previous actions targeted sites such as Shazam Casino, Highway Casino, and Las Atlantis Casino[5].
Why Kick Off This Crackdown?
The primary concerns driving the MGCB's aggressive stance revolve around consumer protection and maintaining a secure, regulated gaming environment for Michigan residents[1][3]. Offshore sites have often been blamed for predatory practices, such as withholding winnings and imposing unfair wagering requirements, as well as lacking proper oversight for responsible gaming and data security.
Gaming within the Lines
The MGCB encourages Michigan residents to stick to officially licensed online gambling platforms to avoid potential financial risks and fraud. Doing so will ensure a fair, safer, and more secure gaming experience for all[1][3].
The Fight Ain't Over Yet
The MGCB demonstrated a strong resolve to continue identifying and dismantling these illegal operations. Stay tuned for further updates as they team up with law enforcement to address non-compliance and preserve access to legal, licensed sports betting within the state[2][4].
Sources:
- Crackdown on illegal sports gambling in Michigan
- Michigan targets offshore sports betting sites
- Michigan Gaming Control Board targets offshore sports gambling websites
- Officials to go after online sports betting sites targeting Michigan
- Michigan continues to target offshore operators engaging in illegal gaming activities
- Grant Mitchell, a sports enthusiast and former NCAA track athlete, continues to focus on the latest sports betting headlines, including the crackdown on offshore sports betting activities in Michigan.
- In a proactive move, Michigan's gaming regulators are targeting unauthorized gambling websites, with 11 new entities added to the list between April 9 and April 23, 2025, joining the 13 hit earlier in the month.
- Among the entities under scrutiny are well-known names such as 7 Bets Casino, ABC Islands Casino, Bookmaker.eu, Cherry Jackpot Casino, Club Player Casino, NinBet Casino, PitBet, Prism Casino, SlotsNBets, VIP Slots Casino, and Wild Vegas Casino.
- The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is takingaction against these entities due to concerns about consumer protection and maintaining a secure, regulated gaming environment within the state.
- Operators who fail to comply with the MGCB's cease-and-desist orders within 14 days face legal action from the board, potentially damaging their reputation in the sports betting and online casino industry.
- Michigan residents are advised to stick to officially licensed online gambling platforms to avoid potential financial risks, fraud, and other issues typically associated with offshore sites.
- As part of its ongoing efforts, the MGCB plans to continue identifying and dismantling these illegal operations, working closely with law enforcement to ensure access to legal, licensed sports betting within the state.
