Michigan targets 12 offshore gambling sites with new orders

• Michigan Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist letters to 12 unlicensed offshore operators.
• Targeted sites include 31 Bets Casino, Betnuvo, BetPhoenix and nine other platforms operating illegally.
• Action forms part of broader 2025 crackdown that has seen regulators target over 50 unlicensed operators.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to 12 offshore gambling operators for unlawfully offering online gaming and sports betting to state residents.

The enforcement action, announced on 3 December, targets platforms operating without proper state licences.

Latest enforcement wave

MGCB investigations determined that the operators were providing illegal online casino-style games or sports betting in violation of state law.

The letters were sent to operators of 31 Bets Casino, Betnuvo, BetPhoenix, Booty.bet, Jackpotter, Kings Chance Casino, Mybitcoin Casino, Starbets, The Virtual Casino, This Is Vegas, Vegas Strip Casino and xWin90.

The sites were found to be offering gambling services to Michigan residents without the required approvals under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Lawful Sports Betting Act and related state statutes. All operators must hold MGCB licences to legally offer internet gaming or sports wagering in Michigan.

“Illegal online gambling sites operate without oversight, putting players at risk and undermining Michigan’s secure, regulated marketplace,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director.

“We will continue to take relentless, decisive action to prevent unlicensed operators from targeting Michigan residents and ensure that all gaming is conducted lawfully and responsibly.”

Consumer protection concerns

The MGCB highlighted that unauthorised operators pose significant risks to consumers. These include a lack of player protections, no guarantee of fair games and no recourse for disputes or withheld winnings. The board emphasised that offshore platforms often operate beyond US regulatory reach, leaving players exposed to unfair practices.

The regulator encourages residents to use only licensed and approved platforms listed on the MGCB website. Operators that ignore the cease-and-desist directives may face additional enforcement measures.

Sustained crackdown throughout 2025

This latest action continues a pattern of intensive enforcement by the MGCB throughout 2025.

The agency took similar action against 13 sites in April, targeting platforms such as Captain Jack Casino, Red Dog Casino and Slots of Vegas. In May, the board issued cease-and-desist orders to 14 offshore operators, including BetFlip, Casino Extreme and Juicy Stakes.

Earlier enforcement actions in March and April targeted smaller groups of operators, including Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino. The MGCB has also been working to remove unregulated gambling machines from establishments across Michigan.

Licensed operators in Michigan generated substantial tax revenue for the state in 2024. Authorised sites such as FanDuel and BetMGM paid Detroit $118.86 million in taxes, whilst tribal sites contributed $55.3 million to local jurisdictions. The state’s licensed operators collectively paid $466.1 million in taxes throughout 2024.

Michigan residents who encounter illegal gambling websites or suspicious activity can report it to the MGCB by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-888-314-2682.

Market implications

The enforcement campaign reflects a broader trend across US gaming regulation, with states increasingly favouring regulated markets over offshore alternatives. Michigan’s online gaming market continues to grow, with residents wagering more than $5.3 billion on lawfully permitted sports betting in December 2024 alone.

The success of Michigan’s regulatory approach depends on continued public cooperation and awareness. The MGCB maintains a comprehensive list of authorised operators on its official website, helping residents identify legitimate platforms.

For operators, the sustained enforcement sends a clear message about Michigan’s zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed gambling. Entities that continue to target Michigan residents without proper authorisation face escalating legal action, potentially in partnership with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.