Michigan regulator orders five unlicensed online gambling sites to cease operations
The sites were found to be accepting wagers and deposits from residents on sports events, slots, blackjack and other casino games.
US.- The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to five online gambling operators after discovering they were targeting state residents. According to MGCB, BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino were violating Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
The regulator’s investigations found the sites had been accepting wagers and deposits from Michigan residents on sports events, slots, blackjack, and other casino games without a local licence.
Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, said: “These illegal sites undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry and put players at serious risk. We will not tolerate unlicensed gambling operations that exploit Michigan residents. Our top priority is to protect the public by enforcing the law and shutting down these illegal platforms.
“These illegal operations, whether offshore or operating without a Michigan license, exploit players and put them at risk. We will continue to take strong action to protect the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry and to ensure that residents have access to safe, legal, and regulated gambling options.”
The regulator said the operators have 14 days to comply or face legal action from the MGCB in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Jim Ananich has been named as the new chair of the MGCB. He succeeds Linda Forte, whose term ended. Ananich will serve a term until December 31, 2028.
Michigan igaming revenue increases in April
Michigan’s commercial and tribal internet gaming operators reported a combined total of $290.7m in gross receipts from internet gaming and internet sports betting for April. That reflects a 0.9 per cent increase from March.
According to the MGCB, igaming gross receipts totalled $248.1m, down 4.6 per cent from March. Gross sports betting receipts were $42.6m, up from $33m. Combined adjusted gross receipts (AGR) reached $259.9m: $233.1m from igaming, down 5.3 per cent, and $26.8m from internet sports betting, up 83.4 per cent.
