Michigan regulator sends cease-and-desist orders to Panamanian operator
State authority continues to clamp down on unlicensed gambling sites, with its latest action marking the 32nd order to an illegal operator since the start of March
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to a Panama-based operator of two illegal sites as it continues its fight against unlicensed gambling activity.
Both SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag have been told to halt their respective offerings in the Great Lake State following an investigation by the MGCB, which was sparked by an anonymous tip.
The Michigan regulator has determined that SportsBetting.ag has illegally accepted wagers on sports, horse races, politics, and online casino games, as well as cashback incentives for players who have lost money on casino games.
Meanwhile, BetOnline.ag has been found to have overseen an operation that includes the aforementioned verticals, as well as enabling users to wager on esports.
In both cases, users were allowed to deposit funds via credit cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency, while neither site boasts the required license to offer such services in Michigan.
By offering its services to Michigan-based players, both sites are in violation of the state’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code, and the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, the latter of which carries a punishment of up to a $100,000 fine, up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
Both sites have 14 days from the date of the letter’s receipt to cease all operations in the state.
Should either fail to adhere to that request, the MGCB has noted it will take further legal action alongside the Michigan Attorney General’s office.
Henry Williams, the regulator’s executive director, said: “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.
This month has already seen the MGCB send cease-and-desist orders to 13 illegal offshore gambling websites based in various jurisdictions, including Curaçao, Costa Rica, and the autonomous island of Anjouan.
All of the sites in question failed to meet the authority’s standards in several metrics, including responsible gaming, consumer protection, and data security.
Since the start of March, the MGCB has sent cease-and-desist orders to 32 illegal offshore sites.
In other MGCB news, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Jim Ananich as the new chair of the regulator, effective as of April 25.
Ananich will succeed Linda Forte in the role, occupying the position as part of a term expiring December 31, 2028.
Elsewhere, the regulator has confirmed to EGR North America that it has opened an investigation into the prediction markets sector and the presence of sports event contracts in Michigan.