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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has hit BetNow.eu Sportsbook, Casino, and Racebook (BetNow) with a cease-and-desist letter for its illegal operations in the state. This comes barely two after the regulator issued letters to 9 other unregulated online casinos in Michigan.
BetNow features a sportsbook with horse race betting options, along with a diverse casino section filled with slots, virtual table games, and live casino offerings.
The MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams released a statement saying, “This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law but also exposes consumers to significant risks.”
“Our job is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling is conducted legally and responsibly.”
BetNow Violating State Laws
The MGCB findings revealed that BetNow is currently violating multiple state laws, notably the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which restricts online gaming operations to casinos licensed by the MGCB and federally recognized tribal casinos.
The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act also classifies unlicensed gambling operations as a felony, with fines up to $100,000, penalties of up to 10 years in prison, or both. Additionally, the Michigan Penal Code prohibits gambling on uncertain outcomes with financial stakes.
Players on BetNow can also make deposits using a variety of payment options, including Zelle, American Express, Apple Pay, PayPal, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfers, CashMG, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, and Bitcoin Cash. However, players are required to wager their full initial deposit before they can withdraw any winnings, a policy that most have criticized.
BetNow has been given 14 days to cease operations in the state, and if it fails to do so, the MGCB is threatening to take legal action with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
“The MGCB encourages Michigan residents to exercise caution when engaging in online gaming and to ensure any site they use is properly licensed…. individuals aware of unlicensed gambling operations are urged to report them to the MGCB,” stated the regulator in a press release published yesterday (Feb 24).
Source: YogoNet
