Michigan Regulator Orders Offshore Casinos to Cease Operations

Rich Palms Casino, both operated by Alistair Solutions NV, a company based in Curaçao, received cease-and-desist letters from the regulator for conducting unauthorized gambling operations within the state.

Offshore Operators Face Regulatory Action

An MGCB investigation, initiated after receiving a tip, revealed that both online casinos offered various gambling games, including slot machines, table games, and video poker, to Michigan residents. Since neither operator is licensed under Michigan law, their activities constitute illegal gambling within the state’s jurisdiction.

The MGCB is committed to protecting Michigan’s legal gaming market and ensuring that all operators comply with state laws.

Executive Director Henry Williams underscored this commitment, stating, “The Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to make it clear that any operator found to be operating unlawfully will face appropriate consequences.” He further stressed, “This agency has zero tolerance for illegal gambling. We will continue to exercise our regulatory oversight and authority to protect the interests of Michigan citizens and licensed operators and ensure that all online gambling activities available here are compliant with the law.”

Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino were found to be in violation of several Michigan gaming laws, including:

• The Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which mandates that only licensed internet gaming operators can offer online gambling in Michigan. Only casinos that are licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act or federally authorized tribal casinos within the state are eligible for these licenses.
• The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which prohibits any entity from running a gambling operation without a valid license from the MGCB. Unlicensed gambling operations constitute a felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
• The Michigan Penal Code, which broadly outlaws unauthorized gambling involving elements of consideration, prize, and chance. This includes any arrangement where money or valuables are wagered based on uncertain outcomes.

Compliance Deadline and Potential Penalties

The MGCB has given Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino a 14-day deadline to halt all gaming operations targeting Michigan residents. Should they fail to comply with this directive, they could face further legal consequences, including additional regulatory action and financial penalties.

The regulator also urges Michigan residents to the legitimacy of online gaming platforms before participating. A complete list of licensed internet gaming providers is available on the MGCB website at Michigan.gov/MGCB. Anyone who encounters or suspects unlicensed gambling operations is encouraged to report them by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing [email protected].

The enforcement action against Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino follows the MGCB’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal online gambling. Just last week, the agency issued cease-and-desist letters to ten online gaming brands d with Belize-based Apex Dynamics, including Aladdin’s Gold Casino, Lucky Red Casino. The regulator remains committed to maintaining a fair and legal gaming environment in Michigan.

By enforcing its gaming regulations, the MGCB aims to protect players from potentially fraudulent and unregulated gambling sites while ensuring that the state’s legal gaming industry operates within the bounds of the law.

Recently MGCB issued 10 cease-and-desist letters to offshore operators linked to Apex Dynamics Ltd.

Source:

‘’Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist letters to Curaçao-based Lucky Tiger Casino, Rich Palms Casino for illegal gambling activities’’, michigan.gov, April 02, 2025.