Michigan Cracks Down on 10 Offshore Casinos Operating Illegally

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken decisive action against illegal offshore gaming operators, issuing cease-and-desist letters to 10 unlicensed online casinos owned by Apex Dynamics Ltd., a Belize-based company. The move underscores the regulator’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s legal gaming industry and protecting residents from unregulated gambling platforms.

Cease-and-Desist Orders Issued to Offshore Operators

The MGCB determined that the following 10 offshore casino sites had been operating without proper licensing while offering a range of casino-style games to players from Michigan:

• Aladdin’s Gold Casino
• All Star Slots
• Buzz Luck
• Club World Casinos
• CryptoReels
• High Noon
• Lucky Red Casino
• Manhattan Slots Casino
• ReelSpin Casino
• Slotter Casino

These operators were found in violation of multiple state gaming regulations, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. The cease-and-desist letters serve as a direct warning to Apex Dynamics Ltd. and similar entities that unlicensed operations will not be tolerated in the state.

As a small reminder, similar action took place in the beginning of the year, when The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued a cease-and-desist order to Duranbah Limited N.V., operator of MyBookie.ag. The site, based in Curaçao, is accused of offering casino games and betting services to Michigan residents without the required state license. 

The MGCB cited violations of two acts, both restricting online gaming to licensed entities. MyBookie.ag’s payment practices, including limited withdrawal options, also raised concerns. Failure to comply within 14 days may lead to legal action. 

MGCB Reinforces Commitment to Legal Gaming

"The Gaming Control Board’s relentless dedication to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry drives our efforts," stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. "We will continue to take strong action to shut down illegal operations that undermine trust in Michigan’s legal gaming system."

The investigation into these operators revealed that many imposed restrictive withdrawal terms on players. In several cases, customers were required to wager their initial deposits multiple times before they could access their winnings. 

Additionally, despite offering various payment methods—including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and cryptocurrency—these platforms operated outside Michigan’s regulatory framework.

Enforcement Measures and Legal Consequences

The MGCB has given the 10 identified offshore operators 14 days from the receipt of their cease-and-desist orders to halt their Michigan operations. Should they fail to comply, the agency will escalate the matter by working with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue further legal action.

The regulator has been increasingly proactive in shutting down unauthorized online gambling sites. Earlier this month, the MGCB also took similar action against five other offshore casino operators that were offering games such as slots, poker, blackjack, Keno, and bingo without a state license. Those entities, based in Costa Rica, China, Curaçao, and Belize, were similarly given 14 days to cease operations in the state.

By continuing these enforcement efforts, the MGCB aims to protect consumers and uphold Michigan’s regulated gaming environment, ensuring that only licensed and compliant operators can serve state residents.

Source:

‘’Gaming Control Board takes action against 10 illegal offshore operators’’, michigan.gov, March 24, 2025.