Share
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag, two well-known offshore sportsbooks. It’s part of the ongoing effort to curb illegal gambling in the Great Lakes State.
The MGCB shutting down operations in the state in July.
In addition to offering illegal sports betting, SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag offer markets such as horse races, politics, table games, card games, and virtual casino games. Neither platform holds necessary licenses to conduct legal online casino games.
These operators are in violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and Michigan Penal Code. MGCB Executive Director, Henry Williams, said in a statement:
The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to enforcing Michigan’s gaming laws and protecting consumers from illegal gambling. We encourage residents to only engage with licensed and regulated online platforms for a safe and fair gaming experience.
MGCB received anonymous tip
The MGCB revealed in the press release that it started investigating the two illegal sportsbooks after getting an anonymous tip. It recommends that residents use the following procedures to report on suspicious gambling activity:
The MGCB encourages anyone with information about illegal gambling activities to report tips by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing [email protected].”
The operators have 14 days to comply with the cease-and-desist order. The MGCB has threatened legal action if the offshore sportsbooks ignores the demand.
It went after Bovada in a similar manner, which appears to have taken slightly longer than 14 days. However, it still resulted in Bovada adding Michigan to its restricted list nearly a month later.
The MGCB is one of the more aggressive regulators in the US, and isn’t afraid to go after unregulated operators. It issued 10 cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling companies last month, which consisted of mainly casino games.
Keeping the integrity of the legal gambling industry, to protect Michiganders, is one of the top missions of the MGCB.
