MGCB targets five illegal online gambling sites preying on Michigan players

DETROIT, June 13, 2025 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to five illegal online gambling operators—BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino—after discovering they were targeting Michigan residents without proper licenses. These operators are violating Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

“These illegal sites undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry and put players at serious risk,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB. “We will not tolerate unlicensed gambling operations that exploit Michigan residents. Our top priority is to protect the public by enforcing the law and shutting down these illegal platforms.”

Details of the Crackdown

• BoVegas Casino: Offers slots and table games while ignoring Michigan’s strict licensing requirements, leaving players vulnerable to fraud and unfair gaming.
• BUSR: Markets itself as a sportsbook and casino but operates without the consumer protections required by Michigan law.
• Cherry Gold Casino: Promotes a wide range of slots and table games but lacks Michigan licensure, putting players at risk.
• Lucky Legends: Claims to offer a “VIP experience” with bonuses but bypasses state regulations designed to ensure fairness.
• Wager Attack Casino: Combines sports betting and casino gaming without a Michigan license, exposing consumers to unregulated practices.

Consumer Risks
The MGCB’s investigations found that these sites have been accepting wagers and deposits from Michigan residents on sports events, slots, blackjack, and other casino games—all without the oversight and safeguards required by law. Players using these platforms face unreliable payouts, unfair gaming practices, and have no legal recourse in case of disputes.

Protecting Players
"These illegal operations, whether offshore or operating without a Michigan license, exploit players and put them at risk,” Williams said. “We will continue to take strong action to protect the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry and to ensure that residents have access to safe, legal, and regulated gambling options.”

The cease-and-desist orders demand that each operator immediately halt all gaming activities in Michigan. They have 14 days to comply or face further legal action from the MGCB in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

Reporting Illegal Gambling
The MGCB urges residents to report illegal or suspicious gambling activity by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Michigan citizens can also visit the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to game responsibly.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.