Michigan Targets More Illegal Casinos with New C&D Orders
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has stepped up its efforts to shut down unauthorized online gambling platforms by issuing cease-and-desist orders to five additional offshore casino operators. These companies were found to be illegally offering online gaming services in the state.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The latest enforcement action, announced on Wednesday, focuses on unlicensed online casinos providing various gambling options, including slots, poker, blackjack, keno, bingo, game show-style games, and sports betting. The operators named in the crackdown include BetWhale Casino, Black Lotus Casino, Coins Game Casino, Love2play Casino and Orion Stars 777 Players.
Related: MGCB Warns BetNow to Stop Gambling Services in MichiganAccording to the MGCB, these offshore gambling platforms operate without proper authorization, creating risks for Michigan residents. The agency has warned that such unlicensed sites often fail to provide adequate safeguards for players, particularly when it comes to processing withdrawals. Without consumer protections in place, players using these sites may face difficulties accessing their winnings or may lose funds entirely due to unreliable operators.
The MGCB's main objective is to ensure that all online gambling activities in the state are conducted legally, providing a secure and regulated environment for players. By taking action against illegal operators, the board aims to protect Michigan residents from potential financial harm and prevent predatory practices, such as imposing strict withdrawal conditions that make it difficult for users to access their funds.
Investigations conducted by the MGCB revealed that the five targeted casinos are violating multiple state gambling laws. Under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, only casinos with proper licensing are permitted to operate online gaming services in Michigan. Any entity conducting gambling activities without a license is in direct violation of this law.
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This is the latest round of cease-and-desist orders against unlicensed operators, with the MGCB previously targeting MyBookie.ag and others. Per state law, failure to comply with the order could lead to prison time, fines or both.
Michigan law strictly prohibits any form of gambling that involves a combination of consideration, prize, and chance. Accepting payments for gambling activities that rely on uncertain outcomes is also classified as illegal under state law.
A key issue identified by the MGCB is the financial risk posed to consumers using these offshore gambling sites. Investigators determined that although these operators accept payments through widely used methods such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and cryptocurrency, they often impose strict withdrawal requirements. In some instances, players are required to wager their deposits multiple times before being allowed to withdraw any funds, making it difficult for users to retrieve their winnings and increasing their financial exposure.
The cease-and-desist orders provide the named operators with 14 days from the date of receipt to cease their unauthorized activities in Michigan. Should they fail to comply, as with the other cease-and-desist orders, the MGCB has warned that it will work with authorities to take further legal action against them.
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