Offshore gambling operators issued cease-and-desist letters by MGCB

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued 12 cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling operators for illegally offering iGaming and sports wagering to residents.

The letters were sent to offshore operators such as 31 Bets Casino, Betnuvo, BetPhoenix, Jackpotter, Kings Chance Casino and Starbets, as well as The Virtual Casino, This Is Vegas, Vegas Strip Casino and xWin90.

Following investigations carried out by the MGCB, the regulator determined each had been offering illegal online casino-style games or sports betting in violation of state law.

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

"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."

Under Michigan's Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Lawful Sports Betting Act and related state statutes, operators must be licensed by the MGCB to offer iGaming or sports wagering to residents.

The MGCB stated entities which fail to gain licensing from the MGCB produce "significant risks" to Michigan players, such as "a lack of player protections, no guarantee of fair games and no recourse for disputes or withheld winnings."

If any of the offshore gambling operators fail to abide by the cease-and-desist orders, the MGCB also stated additional enforcement action could be taken.

On November 4, the MGCB issued a response to the recent betting scandal unveiled within the NBA, as well as implemented various responsible gaming (RG) measures for licensed operators.

RG measures implemented by the regulator include mandatory integrity monitoring, review and approval of events and wager types, prohibition on insider betting and internal control requirements.