DETROIT, Mich. — For violating state gaming laws, nine online casinos have been given 14 days to “cease their illegal activity.”
Investigators found the gambling sites to be operating without proper licenses and were issued cease-and-desist orders Wednesday. If they fail to comply within 14 days, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said they will work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to “pursue further legal action.”
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In addition to operating without a license, MGCB found that players on the sites would not be able to withdraw their winnings without meeting certain winnings criteria such as meeting a minimum dollar amount or having to play through the entirety of their initial deposit.
The following operators have been issued cease-and-desist orders:
- BetAnySports (BAS)
- CoolCat Casino
- Diamond Sportsbook International, d/b/a BetDSI.eu (BetDSI)
- Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold)
- My Dreams Casino
- NonStop casino
- Palace of Chance
- Xbet Casino
- WagerWeb
“These unlicensed operators are not only in violation of Michigan’s laws but also pose significant risks to consumers by offering limited and often unreliable withdrawal options,” MGCB executive director Henry Williams, said. “Our role is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling activities are carried out legally and responsibly.”
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MGCB found the online casinos to be in violation of the following Michigan laws:
- Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Internet gaming in Michigan is only permitted for licensed operators. Only casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, as well as federally recognized tribal casinos, can legally apply for a gaming license.
- Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating a gambling business without a valid MGCB-issued license is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
- Michigan Penal Code: Gambling that involves consideration, prize, and chance is broadly prohibited. Accepting payments with the expectation that they will be based on the outcome of uncertain events is illegal.
In 2022, The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimated that Americans wagered over $510 billion annually with illegal operators, including online casinos…