Michigan Gaming Control Board Targets 33 Unlicensed Offshore Operators and Exposes Self-Exclusion Enforcement Gap

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has sent cease-and-desist letters to 33 offshore gambling operators offering unlicensed online casino games, sweepstakes-style games, and sports betting to state residents. As reported by Yogonet International, the regulator also warned that Michigan’s self-exclusion programs provide no protection for players on these unregulated sites.

Recipients include operators of Azartzona Casino, Basepoker, BingoMania, BitofGold, Cryptoplay, Del Oro Casino, Donbet, mBit Casino, Raging Bull Slots, Sloto’Cash Online Casino, and Regal Casino and Sportsbook, among others. The letters follow determinations that each entity operated without an MGCB license required under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act.

Operators Placed on Notice

“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,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

“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.”

Licensed operators must honor the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database. Offshore platforms face no such requirement, leaving self-excluded individuals able to open accounts, deposit funds, and wager without restriction.

Scale of Illegal Activity and Prior Enforcement

An August 2025 American Gaming Association analysis estimates Americans wager $673.6 billion annually with illegal and unregulated operators, including offshore sites. The illegal market has grown 22% since the prior 2022 report. The share of online casino players using only legal sites dropped from 52% to 24%, while nearly half now use both legal and illegal platforms.

The study further notes $84 billion bet with illegal sportsbooks, with one in 10 sports bettors using only illegal sources. Earlier research found 70% of such sports bettors believed their wagers were legal or evenly split. Players on offshore sites also lack deposit limits, independent game testing, data protections, and MGCB recourse.

This action continues prior enforcement. In April 2026, the MGCB sent similar letters to 45 offshore operators over four months. Disregard of these directives may trigger further steps with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

Reporting: Yogonet International

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