Michigan Gaming Control Board Shuts Down 13 Illegal Gambling Sites

Michigan and violating state gaming laws.

The list of unlicensed platforms includes well-known sites like Captain Jack Casino, Casino Brango, and Ducky Luck Casino, El Royale Casino, Jazz Casino, Jazz Sports Casino Racebook, Looselines, Planet 7 Casino, Red Dog Casino, Royal Oak Casino, Silver Oak Casino, Skybook, and Slots of Vegas, all operating without the necessary state licenses.

These websites were based in offshore jurisdictions such as Curaçao, Costa Rica, and the Autonomous Island of Anjouan.

MGCB’s Decisive Action Against Illegal Gambling Operators

As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain a regulated and secure gaming environment, the MGCB has issued cease-and-desist orders to the operators of these websites. The operators were instructed to halt all unlawful activities within 14 days of receiving the orders.

If they fail to comply, the MGCB will work alongside the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action. The crackdown is part of the Board’s mission to safeguard Michigan residents from deceptive practices that threaten both personal security and financial well-being.

“These illegal gambling websites put Michigan residents at significant personal and financial risk,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.

He emphasized that the illegal operators had been using various payment methods—such as credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies—to lure Michigan players into gambling. The sites were found to be engaging in malpractice, such as withholding winnings and imposing high wagering requirements, often leaving players unable to access their funds.

This kind of manipulation puts s at a high risk of financial exploitation and damages the integrity of the gambling experience.

Protecting Consumers from Deceptive Practices

The MGCB’s recent action comes after investigations revealed that these offshore operators did not meet Michigan’s standards for responsible gaming, consumer protection, or data security. This lack of oversight exposed s to risks like fraud and identity theft.

In addition to these serious threats, these illegal websites often engaged in practices that contravened Michigan’s gambling laws, such as the failure to ensure fair play and transparency.

To further protect players, the MGCB advises Michigan residents to only engage with online gambling platforms that are licensed by the state. Players can the legitimacy of an operator by consulting the list of approved sites available on the MGCB’s official website.

On top of that, the Board encourages residents to report any suspicious activity or illegal gambling websites they come across.

Previous Action Against Illegal Online Gambling

This crackdown on 13 illegal gambling websites follows a similar action earlier in the month, in which the MGCB targeted 11 additional offshore platforms.

These operators, including Shazam Casino, SlotsRoom, and Las Atlantis Casino, were also found to be operating without Michigan’s required licenses and were engaged in deceptive practices. The Board’s swift and firm action against these illegal sites reflects its unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and secure gaming environment for Michigan players.

Commitment to Regulated Gaming in Michigan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure the integrity of Michigan’s gaming market. The MGCB continues to monitor the online gaming landscape closely, taking necessary steps to protect residents from unlicensed and unscrupulous operators.

By cracking down on illegal gambling sites and promoting a regulated environment, the Board aims to maintain the highest standards of fairness, security, and consumer protection for all Michigan residents.

Source:

“Michigan Gaming Control Board cracks down on 13 illegal offshore gambling websites targeting state residents”, michigan.gov, April 09, 2025.