Michigan Orders Eight Unlicensed Online Casinos to Stop Operations

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September 28th, 2025
Back Michigan Orders Eight Unlicensed Online Casinos to Stop Operations

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken decisive action against eight unlicensed online casinos operating in the state without proper authorization. On September 23, 2025, the MGCB announced the issuance of cease-and-desist letters to operators that were found offering internet gambling and sports betting to Michigan residents in violation of state law.

The named platforms include:

“These unlawful operators try to present themselves as legitimate entertainment options, but they offer zero player protections, no accountability, and a real risk to consumers,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB. “Our message is simple: If you want to offer gambling in Michigan, follow the law or we will stop you.”

Violations of Michigan Gaming Laws

The illegal platforms were found in breach of multiple statutes, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and relevant sections of the Michigan Penal Code. These laws mandate that all internet gaming and sports betting operations in the state be licensed and regulated by the MGCB.

Unlicensed operators bypass essential safeguards, including independent testing, responsible gaming requirements, and secure financial practices. The cease-and-desist orders require each platform to immediately halt operations in Michigan. Continued defiance could trigger further enforcement through the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

A Continued Effort to Eliminate Offshore Gaming

Despite Michigan’s legal online gamblingindustry generating over $9 billion in lifetime revenue as of August 2025, illegal offshore sites still capture a significant portion of consumer spending. Across the U.S., Americans are estimated to wager over $670 billion annually at unlicensed gambling sites, according to the American Gaming Association.

As part of the ongoing effort to combat these activities, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is advocating for federal solutions that would bring more gambling revenue into the state’s tax system and reduce harmful practices associated with illegal betting.

Public Awareness and Responsible Gaming

To better educate residents, the MGCB’s Play It Smart, Michigan campaign highlights the risks of illegal gambling and provides tools to identify unauthorized operators. The initiative includes a dedicated webpage, informational videos on social media, and a directory of licensed gaming platforms.

“Fake ads can look convincing—sometimes even using familiar logos or names—but they can be nothing more than a gateway to offshore sites that put players at risk,” said Williams.

The campaign encourages players to confirm site licenses at Michigan.gov/MGCB and report suspicious platforms by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

Why Legal Casinos Matter

Beyond the lack of regulatory oversight, illegal casinos often use misleading bonus offers with excessive wagering requirements—sometimes over 30x—to lure players. By comparison, legal Michigan casinos typically impose lower thresholds, such as Caesars Palace’s 15x playthrough cap or Fanatics Casino’s 1x requirement for new player bonuses.

Legal platforms are also required to offer responsible gaming tools like self-exclusion, spending limits, and support through1-800-GAMBLER. They must prevent underage gambling and use certified software providers like IGT and NetEnt to ensure fair gameplay with random number generators.

Source:

“Eight Unlicensed Online Casinos Ordered to Cease Operations in Michigan”, michigan.gov, September 23, 2025

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