At the end of January, we announced that Mybookie.ag operator Duranbah Limited N.V. was targeted by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) through a cease-and-desist letter as part of the ongoing battle against offshore casinos and sportsbooks.
Now, the regulator has announced similar action against nine other online casinos operating illegally in the state.
The targeted sites offered a variety of casino games, including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps, along with sports betting and horse race wagering.
“Our Role Is to Protect Michigan Residents”
The list of online gambling platforms that have been ordered to cease operations in the Great Lakes state includes BetAnySports (BAS), CoolCat Casino, Diamond Sportsbook International (BetDSI.eu), Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold), My Dreams Casino, NonStop Casino, Palace of Chance, Xbet Casino, and WagerWeb.
MGCB’s executive director, Henry Williams, explained that the unlicensed operators acted against state laws and posed “significant risks to consumers by offering limited and often unreliable withdrawal options.”
“Our role is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling activities are carried out legally and responsibly,” Williams continued, explaining the respective operators were given 14 days to put an end to their illegal activities or risk facing “further legal action” in coordination with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
Over $510B Wagered via Illegal Sites Every Year
Illegal online gambling has become a nationwide issue, with the American Gaming Association estimating that Americans wager over $510 billion annually through unregulated operators.
This underground market results in substantial losses for state and local governments, with an estimated $13.3 billion in lost tax revenue each year.
Many sites attempt to bypass regulations by operating as sweepstakes casinos, which are also under scrutiny in states like Maryland, Mississippi, and West Virginia, as well as social casinos.
However, they often lack essential consumer protections, responsible gambling measures, and financial transparency, making them a risky option for players.
In Violation of Multiple State Laws
The MGCB’s investigation found that these gambling sites violated multiple laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which only allows licensed operators affiliated with Michigan’s commercial and tribal casinos to offer legal online gaming, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which makes running unlicensed gambling a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
The same operators have also violated the Michigan Penal Code, which clearly states gambling that involves consideration, prize, and chance is strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized by state law.
Even more, many of these platforms also imposed restrictive withdrawal conditions, asking players looking to cash out their winnings to roll over their entire deposit or reach a minimum payout threshold.
To ensure safe and legal gaming, Michigan residents are encouraged to verify licensed operators through the MGCB’s website and report illegal gambling activity confidentially via phone or email.