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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has sent a cease-and-desist letter to eight online casinos operating illegally in the state.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said the unregulated casinos pose a threat to consumers.
“These unauthorized websites often appear sophisticated and legitimate, but they operate outside of Michigan law,” Williams said in a statement.
“When players gamble on unlicensed platforms, they’re putting their money and personal information at serious risk. The MGCB will not hesitate to intervene when we find operators ignoring our state’s gambling laws.”
The eight illegal operators that received letters are Aussie Play, CryptoGames, FortuneJack, Hugewin Casino, May Stake Casino, Play at Harry’s Casino, RuneChat, and SlotsGarden.
Why are illegal online casinos a threat to consumers?
Williams noted that players put their money at risk when gambling on unregulated online casinos. Personal information and funds are vulnerable because these platforms are not required to follow state laws governing the movement of money and the handling of users’ personally identifiable information.
Another risk is that illegal online casinos may refuse to pay out winnings without facing consequences.
Additionally, illegal operators are not bound by the same responsible gaming regulations as licensed operators, putting problem gamblers at risk.
“Unregulated sites do not provide the same safeguards required of licensed operators—such as independent testing of games, responsible gaming protocols, and the ability for players to file disputes or access self-exclusion tools,” the MGCB said.
What’s next for illegal operators in Michigan?
The MGCB said it will continue working with the Michigan attorney general’s office to “investigate and pursue noncompliant operators.”
Operators caught violating the law multiple times may face “additional enforcement measures,” the MGCB noted.
“Our message remains consistent: If you want to do business in Michigan’s gaming industry, you must play by the rules and obtain a license,” Williams said.
How to spot illegal Michigan online casinos
The MGCB has created a webpage listing legal iGaming and online sports betting websites in Michigan. Currently, there are 16 legal sites:
- BetMGM
- betPARX
- BetRivers
- Caesars Palace Online Casino
- DraftKings
- Eagle Casino & Sports
- Fanatics Casino
- FanDuel Casino
- FireKeepers iCasino
- Four Winds Online Casino & Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget Online Casino
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown
- Horseshoe Online Casino
- PokerStars
- SI Casino
- World Series of Poker
If an iGaming website claims to be legitimate but is not on this list—which can change over time—users should avoid the site.
