The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent cease‑and‑desist orders to four offshore online casinos. This follows a move that targets operators illegally serving Michigan residents and lacking oversight and player safeguards.
Key Decision: Recent Enforcement Action
The Michigan Gaming Control Board ordered Pacific Spins Casino, Yabby Casino, Orbit Spins, and Betty Wins to stop all activities directed at Michigan players on September 2, 2025. In an interesting turn of events, all four brands belong to TechZone, Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.
For obvious legal reasons, the MGCB took this action. These operators all violated several important provisions of the Michigan Penal Code, particularly PA 69 of 1997, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019. Per state laws, an online casino site that wants to welcome Michigan residents must first be licensed by the MGCB.
MGCB’s Rationale and Statements
Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director stressed the stakes. In his words: “These sites operate in the shadows of the law, offering no guarantees to players and no accountability to the public,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director. “The MGCB’s enforcement efforts are both relentless and unwavering. We will continue to identify and take action against illegal gambling operations that threaten the integrity of our regulated market and place Michigan residents at risk.”
He emphasizes how the lack of regulatory safeguards on these sites exposes residents to a number of dangers. A lack of fair play assurance and no third party or intermediary for dispute recourse are just a few.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Michigan Law strictly reserves online gaming for MGCB-licensed gambling sites. According to the Internet Gaming Act (Act 152 of 2019), all internet gaming sites must hold a license from the state’s regulator. Even more important is that only entities previously licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act or recognized tribes can apply for online gambling licenses.
After Public Act 69 of 1997 created the MGCB as the sole regulator within the jurisdiction, strong licensing standards, including civil and criminal penalties for violators, followed. With the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019, there’s now a supplementary framework as follows:
- Adding online gaming to MGCB oversight
- Mandating operator standards and enforcement powers
Thanks to this layered regulation, MGCB’s crackdown on offshore operators aligns firmly with both the 2019 and the 1997 act. It supports the current legislative goals to protect players, secure gambling revenue within Michigan, and also uphold gaming integrity. Overall, it helps draw a defined line between what constitutes legal vs. illegal gambling in the state.
Play It Smart, Michigan” Campaign and Player Support
The MGCB currently promotes its “Play It Smart, Michigan” campaign to assist players in choosing legal online gambling Michigan options. The program is designed to teach how to spot licensed sites and includes a new MGCB consumer education page with a list of all legal operators. On the same page, players will find warning signs of illegal gaming sites as well as resources for reporting such sites and support for problem gamblers.
Currently, the state pushes for responsible gambling through self-exclusion tools and easy help access. Anyone can now report illegal sites by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MiGamblingTip@michigah.gov. Vulnerable gamblers, on the other hand, can get support through text800GAM, 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat at 1800gamblerchat.org.
Upcoming MGCB Meeting: Policy Implications
The MGCB will convene its next public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The session is open to the general public, both in person at Cadillac Place in Detroit and virtually via Zoom or phone.
During the GCB meeting, the board plans to review enforcement developments and look at fresh policy and regulatory measures. The agenda includes a report from the Executive Director, supplier license renewals, new license applications, and personnel changes for key online gaming and sports betting firms.
The meeting signals MGCB’s proactive stance. They will likely extend their offshore enforcement efforts and refine the licensing process.
Impact and Next Steps
Michigan treats offshore operators flouting its laws with serious penalties. Under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, running unlicensed gambling is a felony. Convictions can bring up to 10 years in prison, or a fine as high as $100,000, or both.
The MGCB gives rogue operators just 14 days to comply with cease‑and‑desist orders. If they ignore them, the Board will team up with the Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.
These enforcement moves set a clear tone. They signal that Michigan will strictly enforce gaming laws. The crackdown may inspire other states to mirror this model. This could deter offshore operators far beyond Michigan’s borders.
Michigan’s aggressive stance also raises the bar for operators. Now they must weigh heavy legal risk before targeting players here. It may prompt many to withdraw or avoid unregulated activity altogether.
Next steps:
- MGCB will monitor compliance closely.
- Noncompliance could lead to arrests, prosecutions, or asset seizures.
- Other jurisdictions may adopt similar enforcement strategies.
- Offshore operators may reduce marketing aimed at Michigan.
- Players gain clarity: only licensed sites are safe, legal, and accountable.
Key Take Away
Regulated gaming keeps Michigan players safe, which makes this crackdownon illegal operators all the more important. Licensed sites within the state protect players, safeguard their data, and guarantee fair results. Michigan’s message to residents is clear: always check MGCB licensing before using any online gambling service.
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