• Michigan gambling watchdog issues separate cease-and-desist letters against offshore gambling sites
• A total of 13 websites were targeted in the space of two days, with the regulator doubling down against the sector
• All websites and operators now have 14 days to comply with the letters from the day of receival

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the state gambling regulator, has taken a series of actions against over a dozen operators that it has designated "illegal gambling sites."

The regulator first issued cease-and-desist letters to Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino on April 2, both based in Cura?ao and operated by Alistair Solutions NV, with the watchdog’s Executive Director, Henry Williams, reaffirming the MGCB’s commitment to acting against any operator found to be running an unlawful business activity in the Great Lakes State.

State of Michigan says no to offshore gambling sites it deems illegal

"This agency has zero tolerance for illegal gambling. We will continue exercising our regulatory oversight and authority to protect the interests of Michigan citizens and licensed operators and ensure that all online gambling activities available here comply with the law."

On the following day, the MGCB similarly took action against 11 more websites deemed to operate illegally in the state, with the list including

• Shazam Casino
• Highway Casino
• SlotsRoom
• Ruby Slots Casino
• Las Atlantis Casino
• Bet Big Dollar Casino
• Blood Moon Casino
• Spinfinity
• Jumba Bet Casino
• Grand Eagle Online Casino
• DogsFortune

The second enforcement action was once again a signal from the regulator to unlawful operators that the MGCB remains committed and unwavering in its determination to act against the websites and operators that it deemed had entered and operated in the state without the necessary license.

In the case of the cease-and-desist letters issued against the 11 websites, the regulator went into further detail, explaining that they had used various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies to "lure" players from the state into playing.

The MGCB described the website as "risky gambling environments" that used "deceptive practices" to the detriment of players.

The regulator is unwavering in its commitment against the sector

The regulator said that websites that operate from offshore locations and target Michigan players would often withhold payments as well as resort to excessive wagering requirements.

"Many players have reported that they are required to wager their deposits multiple times before being allowed to access their winnings, a practice that is not only unethical but also in violation of Michigan’s legal protections for gamblers," the MGCB press release read.

All operators and websites notified via a cease-and-desist letter have a 14-day period from the moment of receiving the letter to comply and exit the market, discontinuing any operation they may maintain in Michigan.

Image credit: Unsplash.com