The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to five offshore online casinos for violating state gaming laws.
The unlicensed operators are BetWhale Casino (Curaçao), Black Lotus Casino (TD Investments Ltd., Belize), Coins Game Casino (Curaçao), Love2play Casino (Curaçao and Costa Rica), and Orion Stars 777 Players (Sichuan Province, China).
“These illegal platforms not only violate Michigan’s gaming regulations but also put consumers at risk by offering unreliable withdrawal options and lacking essential consumer protections,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
“Our top priority is safeguarding Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gaming activities are conducted legally and safely. These operators must stop their activities or face additional legal consequences,” he added.
The MGCB’s investigation found that these operators are violating multiple state laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which allows only licensed casinos to legally offer online gambling in Michigan.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act states that unlicensed gambling services constitute a felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $100,000, or both.
Additionally, under the Michigan Penal Code, gambling that involves consideration, prize, and chance is broadly prohibited, making it illegal to accept payments for games of chance without authorization.
While these platforms accept payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, they impose strict withdrawal conditions—often requiring players to wager their initial deposits multiple times before accessing winnings.
The MGCB has given the operators 14 days to cease operations in Michigan. If they fail to comply, the board will coordinate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.
Michigan residents are advised to verify the legitimacy of online casinos before gambling.
0
20
20
