Michigan Gaming Control Board Issues C&D Orders to SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken decisive action against illegal gambling operations by issuing cease-and-desist orders to the Panama-based operators of SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag. These operators are found to be in violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
This enforcement action followed thorough investigations initiated by an anonymous tip-off. SportsBetting.ag, in particular, has been unlawfully accepting wagers on a wide range of activities—spanning sports, horse racing, politics, table games, card games, and virtual casino games. Furthermore, they have been offering cash-back incentives to players enduring casino losses.
In tandem, BetOnline.ag has offered numerous illegal betting options, including contest tournaments, sports wagering, live event betting, casino-style games (such as slots, blackjack, and poker), horse racing, and esports. All these offerings involve real-money wagers that can be funded through credit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies, posing a significant risk to Michigan consumers.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is steadfast in its commitment to uphold Michigan’s gaming laws and protect consumers from the pitfalls of illegal gambling,” stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We urge residents to engage exclusively with licensed and regulated online platforms to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.”
Operators SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag have been granted a 14-day window to halt all operations within Michigan. Should they fail to comply, the MGCB is prepared to collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action against them.
MGCB Intensifies Enforcement Against Offshore Operators
This crackdown comes on the heels of similar actions, where the MGCB sent cease-and-desist letters to 11 offshore casinos for providing unlicensed gambling services to Michigan residents. The operators cited in this enforcement wave include:
- 7 Bets Casino
- ABC Islands Casino
- Bookmaker.eu
- Cherry Jackpot Casino
- Club Player Casino
- NinBet Casino
- PitBet
- Prism Casino
- SlotsNBets
- VIP Slots Casino
- Wild Vegas Casino
These operators were found to be accepting wagers from Michigan residents utilizing various payment methods, including credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and digital wallets.
Earlier this month, the MGCB also enforced action against 13 additional offshore gambling sites, including:
- Captain Jack Casino
- Casino Brango
- Ducky Luck Casino
- El Royale Casino
- Jazz Casino
- Jazz Sports Casino Racebook
- Looselines
- Planet 7 Casino
- Red Dog Casino
- Royal Oak Casino
- Silver Oak Casino
- Skybook
- Slots of Vegas
In yet another wave of enforcement, the MGCB targeted an additional 13 offshore gambling websites:
- Bet Big Dollar Casino
- Blood Moon Casino
- DogsFortune
- Grand Eagle Online Casino
- Highway Casino
- Jumba Bet Casino
- Las Atlantis Casino
- Lucky Tiger Casino
- Rich Palms Casino
- Ruby Slots Casino
- Shazam Casino
- SlotsRoom
- Spinfinity
It’s imperative to note that only licensed online gambling operators are permitted to legally offer online casino services and mobile sports betting in Michigan. The inaugural regulated casino sites in the state commenced operations in January 2021, marking a significant shift towards a secure and regulated online gaming environment.
This rigorous enforcement underscores the MGCB’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s gaming landscape while simultaneously ensuring protection for consumers against unregulated operators.
