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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has again displayed its commitment to eliminating the illegal gaming market in the state with recent cease-and-desist letters to 13 offshore casinos.
Two separate updates were issued by the regulator this week, with the first coming on Wednesday (Apr 2) and directed at Alistair Solutions NV-owned Rich Palms Casino and Lucky Tiger Casino. Both platforms offer dozens of slots, video poker, and table games with licenses from the Curaçao government.
However, the MGCB flagged them for illegal gambling operations, accusing both brands of breaching the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. The latter carries a maximum fine of $100,000 and a possible 10-year prison sentence.
The regulator has granted Rich Palms Casino and Lucky Tiger Casino a two-week deadline from the receipt of the letter to halt their operations in the state, warning them that failure to comply could result in further legal action and penalties.
11 More Casinos Ordered to Leave
Yesterday, the MGCB released a new update, announcing that it had issued letters to 11 more offshore gaming sites.
SlotsRoom, Bet Big Dollar Casino, Jumba Bet Casino, Shazam Casino, Blood Moon Casino, Grand Eagle Online Casino, Highway Casino, Ruby Slots Casino, Las Atlantis Casino, Spinfinity, and DogsFortune were all found to have operated illegal operations targeted at Michigan residents.
Similar to the previous update, these casinos were found to have violated the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, with similar penalties and fines awaiting them if they fail to comply.
The regulator also highlighted additional concerns, such as misleading practices involving excessive wagering requirements and the withholding of player winnings. Some players have reported needing to make multiple deposits before being permitted to withdraw their funds, a practice the MGCB asserts is in violation of state laws.
All 11 operators have been instructed to cease operations, facing a similar 14-day deadline to comply.
Shutting Down Unlicensed Platforms is Critical, Says MGCB Head
Speaking on the latest updates, MGCB executive director Henry Williams assured Michigan residents of the board’s commitment to protecting players. “We remain fully committed to ensuring a fair, safe and lawful gaming environment for all Michigan residents,” he stated.
“Shutting down these unlicensed platforms is critical not only to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry. It also helps to protect Michigan residents from predatory practices and unreliable gambling experiences.”
Last month, the regulator sent out cease-and-desist orders to 10 operators: BetNow, CoolCat Casino, Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold), BetAnySports (BAS), Palace of Chance, Xbet Casino, NonStop Casino, My Dreams Casino, Diamond Sportsbook International, BetDSI.eu, and WagerWeb.
The MGCB also urged Michigan residents to be careful when engaging in online gambling, advising them to always check the legitimacy of a site before registering an account. The full list of licensed operators is listed on the regulator’s official website, and residents are encouraged to confirm before playing.
Source: iGamingBusiness
