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Michigan’s gaming regulator has issued 33 cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling operators and warned that self-excluded players are not protected on unlicensed sites. For bettors, the message is simple: if a platform is not licensed in Michigan, the state says its responsible-gaming safeguards do not apply.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board said the operators were illegally offering online casino games, sweepstakes-style games, and sports betting to Michigan residents without a state license. The agency also said the action builds on its broader enforcement push against illegal online gambling.
Michigan says offshore sites bypass self-exclusion safeguards
According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, licensed operators in the state must honor the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database. Offshore operators, by contrast, have no obligation to follow Michigan self-exclusion rules.
That means a person who has signed up to block themselves from legal gambling platforms can still open accounts, deposit money, and place bets on unlicensed sites, the board said.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said: “Choosing to self-exclude is one of the hardest and most courageous decisions a person can make, and in Michigan’s legal market, that choice is respected. Offshore sites don’t respect it. They will take a deposit from someone who has asked for help, and the MGCB has no way to help that person get it back. These 33 letters put operators on notice that our residents are not an untapped market, and that anyone who thinks they can ignore our protections will hear from us.”
What Michigan says players risk on unlicensed platforms
The MGCB said players on offshore sites do not have access to Michigan’s required responsible-gaming tools, including self-exclusion and deposit limits. The board also warned there is no independent testing to ensure games are fair on those sites, no protection for personal or financial information under Michigan regulatory standards, and no recourse through the MGCB if winnings are withheld or an account is closed.
The operators named by the board include Azartzona Casino, Basepoker, BingoMania, BitofGold, Cryptoplay, Del Oro Casino, Detective Slots, Donbet, Exclusive Casino, Genie Jackpot, Guangzhou Snail Interactive Technology Co., Ltd., Immersion Casino Online, iWild Casino, JacksPay, Jurassic Slots, L0tt0, Lucky Charm Sweep, Lucky Rebel, Magicianbet, mBit Casino, Odds Maker, Raging Bull Slots, Regal Casino and Sportsbook, Wager Street, Ronin Slots, Runewager, Slot Paradise, Sloto Tribe, Sloto’Cash Online Casino, Spin Dinero, SpinsTopia, Stardust, SunnySpins Casino, and The Online Casino.
Enforcement pressure is continuing
The MGCB said operators that ignore the directives could face additional enforcement action with the Michigan Department of Attorney General. The board also noted that in April 2026 it had sent cease-and-desist letters to 45 offshore operators over a four-month period.
Michigan residents can report illegal gambling websites by emailing MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov or calling 1-888-314-2682. The board said players should check Michigan’s list of authorized online gaming and sports betting platforms before placing a bet.
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Sources: As reported by michigan.gov and rg.org.
