MGCB sends cease-and-desist letters to 33 offshore operators

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) sent cease-and-desist letters to 33 offshore operators that it says offered online casino games, sports betting and contests without state authorisation, citing FocusGN. The regulator said the sites pose a risk to Michigan residents because unauthorised platforms may not provide the safeguards available in the regulated market, including self-exclusion tools.

Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, said offshore sites do not respect self-exclusion and that the regulator has no way to help people recover deposits made after they sought help. He said the 33 letters warn operators that Michigan residents are not an untapped market and that anyone who ignores the state's protections will face consequences.

The regulator cited estimates that about $673.6bn is bet each year on offshore gambling platforms, citing FocusGN. It warned that some players may not realise the sites they use operate illegally and advised them to check the Michigan.gov/MGCB website to confirm whether an online gaming or sports betting service is authorised in the state.