September 29, 2025
DETROIT, Sept. 29, 2025 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has directed six additional unlicensed online casinos to cease offering gambling to Michigan residents, marking the latest step in the agency’s relentless, ongoing crackdown on unlawful operators.
The newest cease-and-desist letters were issued to:
“These sites try to attract players with flashy ads and promises of big wins, but the reality is far riskier: no oversight, no consumer protections, and no guarantee you’ll ever see your money again,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director. “Michigan law is clear—if you want to operate here, you must be licensed. We will continue to hold illegal operators accountable and protect Michigan residents from predatory, unregulated gambling.”
Why It Matters
Michigan’s internet gaming and sports betting markets are open only to licensed operators overseen by the MGCB. Unlicensed sites like those named above violate state law, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and provisions of the Michigan Penal Code.
Unlike regulated platforms, illegal casinos are not required to submit to independent testing, responsible gaming standards, or consumer safeguards. Each operator has been instructed to stop targeting Michigan immediately. Those that fail to comply could face further legal action in coordination with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Helping Players Spot the Difference
The MGCB’s Play It Smart, Michigan initiative provides tools to help players distinguish safe, legal gambling options from offshore, unregulated websites. The agency maintains a “Legal vs. Illegal Gaming” webpage with:
“Illegal operators often copy familiar names or logos to trick people,” Williams added. “We want Michiganders to know how to protect themselves and where to find legitimate, safe entertainment.”
Protect Yourself
Players can confirm whether a site is licensed in Michigan by visiting Michigan.gov/MGCB.
To report suspected illegal gambling:
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.
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