Michigan Orders BetOnline, SportsBetting to Cease Operations

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken decisive legal action against two offshore gambling operators, BetOnline.ag and SportsBetting.ag, accusing both of conducting unauthorized online betting activities within the state. According to the MGCB, the two Panama-based platforms are in breach of several state laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

Following an anonymous tip, the MGCB launched an investigation which concluded that both sites were unlawfully accepting wagers from Michigan players. These operations were found to be offering online casino-style games, sports betting, and other forms of gambling, all without the necessary state-issued licenses. As a result, formal cease-and-desist letters were issued to both companies.

Allegations Include Unlicensed Casino, Sports, and Political Betting

SportsBetting.ag, according to the MGCB, was engaged in accepting bets not just on sports and horse racing, but also on political outcomes, table games, card games, and virtual casino activities. The platform was also found to be offering cash-back incentives to players who suffered losses on their online casino wagers—an act that the MGCB considers to be in violation of Michigan law.

In the case of BetOnline.ag, the list of alleged violations is extensive. Authorities say the platform has facilitated bets on sports, horse racing, esports, and live events. Additionally, it reportedly offers contests and tournaments involving casino-style games such as poker, blackjack, and slots. Funding for these bets was said to be made available through various means, including credit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency transactions.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to enforcing Michigan’s gaming laws and protecting consumers from illegal gambling,” stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We encourage residents to only engage with licensed and regulated online platforms for a safe and fair gaming experience.”

14-Day Deadline Set for Compliance

The MGCB has given both operators a 14-day window to cease all operations involving Michigan residents. If they fail to do so, the agency intends to escalate enforcement efforts by coordinating with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. The move underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to upholding its gaming laws and shielding consumers from unregulated platforms.

These enforcement actions are part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized online gambling operations. Just a week before issuing the orders to BetOnline and SportsBetting, the MGCB had directed similar cease-and-desist notifications to 11 other offshore iGaming entities. These platforms were similarly accused of operating without proper licensure and for failing to meet Michigan’s consumer protection standards, including the improper use of cryptocurrencies as a payment method.

BetOnline Faces National Scrutiny

Michigan isn’t the only state taking issue with BetOnline. The Mississippi Gaming Commission had previously issued a cease-and-desist notice to the platform back in July 2024. However, BetOnline, along with other operators such as Bovada, MyBookie, BetUS, and BetWhale, did not respond promptly. This lack of compliance led to a second round of notifications being sent in December.

Illinois also entered the fray earlier this year. The Illinois Gaming Board dispatched cease-and-desist letters to both BetOnline and BetUS for conducting gambling activities in the state without a license. Bovada was also among the recipients. These multiple regulatory interventions highlight the growing pressure faced by unlicensed operators attempting to offer services across state lines.

Source:

Michigan Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist orders to SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag for illegal operations, Michigan Gaming Control Board, michigan.gov, April 28, 2025.