In its most sweeping enforcement action yet, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to 19 illegal online gaming operations in the state. The platforms were found to be targeting Michigan residents without holding the required licences, in direct violation of state gambling laws. The MGCB said this action is part of its ongoing effort to protect players and ensure only legal, regulated operators can offer services in Michigan.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said, “Illegal gambling operators threaten the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our gaming industry. When companies offer games without proper licensing, Michigan players are left without the critical protections they deserve. That’s unacceptable, and we’re taking strong action to stop it.”
The platforms involved include well-known names such as Café Casino, Ignition Casino, Diamond Reels Online Casino, and Cyber Bingo. The MGCB has given each of them 14 days to stop all activities in Michigan or face further legal steps, which could involve action from the state’s Attorney General.
In addition to the 19 sites ordered to shut down, the MGCB is continuing investigations into several others. These include BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino. These platforms were also issued cease-and-desist orders earlier in June for offering unlicensed online gambling to people in Michigan.
The MGCB found that these sites were providing access to slots, table games, and sports betting without following the rules that protect players. This includes a lack of basic safeguards such as secure payments, fair gameplay, and complaint procedures.
“These platforms operate in the shadows,” said Williams. “They’re not just skirting the rules—they’re exposing players to serious harm. Our job is to stop them, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
This latest action is part of a series of enforcement steps the MGCB has taken in recent months. In April and May, the MGCB sent cease-and-desist notices to several offshore and unlicensed gambling websites that were operating in Michigan without permission. These websites were not approved by the state and did not meet the legal rules for licensing, player safety, or responsible gambling.
Along with these enforcement efforts, the MGCB is also working to improve safety in the gambling industry. In June, it held a training session for casino staff to raise awareness about human trafficking and to support better standards across all gaming venues.
Michigan players are urged to use only gambling websites licensed by the state. A full list is available on the MGCB’s website. Suspected illegal activity can be reported by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.
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