Michigan orders 19 illegal gaming sites to cease operations for licensing violations

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken its most extensive enforcement action to date, sending cease-and-desist letters to 19 illegal online gaming operations that were targeting players in Michigan without the required licenses.

The board said the action showcased its continued efforts to maintain a secure gaming environment in the state and protect consumers from the risks of unregulated gambling platforms. It comes as we reported that the board had issued nearly 100 cease-and-desist letters over a period of time.

The MGCB has issued cease-and-desist orders to 19 illegal online gambling sites targeting Michigan players without proper licenses. Play it safe and only use licensed sites. Report suspicious activity by calling 1-888-314-2682. https://t.co/rfz1XMUTZw pic.twitter.com/w5dYwSMk06

— Michigan Gaming Control Board (@MichiganGCB) July 2, 2025

In this case, the MGCB ordered a group of online gambling platforms to stop offering their services to players in the state. Officials say these sites were operating without the licenses required under Michigan’s gaming and sports betting laws.

The platforms named in the order include Bingo Village, BITBET, Café Casino, Cocoa Casino, Cyber Bingo, Davinci’s Gold, Desert Nights Casino, Diamond Reels Online Casino, Eclipse Casino, Eternal Slots, EuroBets Casino, Fair Go Casino, GoldWin Casino, Ignition Casino, Jackbit, Jackpot Capital, Paradise8, Red Stag Casino and Two Up Casino. Each one was told to shut down its operations in Michigan immediately.

The board also said it is actively investigating several other websites. These include BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends and Wager Attack Casino. Officials allege these sites have been offering casino games and sports betting to Michigan residents without following the state’s licensing and regulatory requirements.

According to the MGCB, unlicensed gambling sites can put players at risk. Without state oversight, there is no guarantee that players will receive their winnings, no protection from unfair or rigged games and few options for resolving disputes or cases of fraud.

“Illegal gambling operators threaten the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our gaming industry,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director.

“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.”

Williams added: “These platforms operate in the shadows.

“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.”

Operators have been given 14 days to stop all activity in Michigan or risk further legal action. The Gaming Control Board said it may pursue additional enforcement measures in coordination with the Michigan Attorney General’s office.

ReadWrite has reached out to the Michigan Gaming Control Board for further comment.

Featured image: Michigan Gaming Control Board via X / Canva

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