Michigan orders 33 unlicensed offshore gambling sites to stop operating
The Michigan Gaming Control Board says the sites ignored state licensing rules and left self-excluded players unprotected.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 33 online gambling websites it says were operating offshore and offering casino games, sports betting and sweepstakes-style products to state residents without a licence.
According to the regulator, none of the named sites held the licence required to conduct gambling business in Michigan. The MGCB said this also meant the operators fell outside the consumer protection rules that apply to licensed businesses in the state.
Which sites were named
The list includes a wide mix of casino brands, poker rooms and sweepstakes platforms. Among those contacted were Azartzona Casino, Basepoker, BingoMania, BitofGold, Cryptoplay, Del Oro Casino, Detective Slots, Donbet and Exclusive Casino, along with Genie Jackpot, Guangzhou Snail Interactive Technology Co., Immersion Casino Online, iWild Casino and JacksPay.
Other operators named by the regulator were Jurassic Slots, L0tt0, Lucky Charm Sweep, Lucky Rebel, Magicianbet, mBit Casino, Odds Maker, Raging Bull Slots and Regal Casino and Sportsbook, which also trades as Wager Street. The remaining sites were Ronin Slots, Runewager, Slot Paradise, Sloto Tribe, Sloto'Cash Online Casino, Spin Dinero, SpinsTopia, Stardust, SunnySpins Casino and The Online Casino.
The MGCB said the letters notify the operators that it considers their activity in Michigan illegal and that failure to comply could lead to further enforcement, potentially involving the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Why self-exclusion is the regulator's focus
Michigan's regulated market requires licensed operators to block access to players enrolled in the state's self-exclusion programme, a tool that lets people voluntarily bar themselves from gambling. The MGCB said offshore sites are under no such obligation and may continue to accept deposits from people who have asked to be cut off.
Self-exclusion is an important decision for people who seek help managing gambling activity.Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director
Williams said Michigan's licensed market recognises that choice, while offshore sites may not. He added that this leaves vulnerable customers exposed, since the regulator has no authority to help them recover money deposited with unauthorised operators. He said the 33 letters make clear that Michigan residents are not available for unlicensed companies to target, according to iGamingToday.
Part of a longer campaign
This is not the MGCB's first sweep. In April, the regulator said it had notified 45 additional offshore operators over a four-month period for accepting bets or offering casino-style games to Michigan residents without a licence. The latest 33 letters extend that campaign.
What it means for players
For Michigan residents, the message is straightforward: sites without a state licence do not have to follow the same rules as regulated operators, including identity checks, dispute handling and self-exclusion enforcement. The growth of sweepstakes-style gambling, which operates in a legal grey area in many states, has added to regulators' workload nationally. Readers wanting a broader view of how such platforms are expanding can see our earlier report on how sweepstakes casinos are multiplying across the US.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cease-and-desist order in gambling regulation?
It is a formal notice from a regulator telling an operator to stop an activity it considers illegal, in this case offering gambling without a Michigan licence. Ignoring it can lead to further enforcement, including referral to law enforcement or the state attorney general.
Why are offshore gambling sites considered risky for players?
Offshore operators are not bound by the licensing conditions of the state where a player lives, so protections such as self-exclusion, dispute resolution and fund recovery may not apply. Regulators like the MGCB have no authority to intervene if a dispute arises with an unlicensed offshore site.
Has Michigan taken similar action before?
Yes. In April 2026 the MGCB notified 45 other offshore operators of violations over four months, and the latest 33 cease-and-desist letters continue that ongoing enforcement effort.
This report is based on iGamingToday, checked and rewritten by the Casino Courant desk. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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