Michigan strikes down 13 illegal gambling websites with cease and desist orders

The state of Michigan’s Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has struck out at 13 different gambling websites it has deemed illegal. MGCB’s ruling against the “offshore” sites will force them to go offline in the state.

Michigan officials have taken action against the sites because they are “unlawfully targeting Michigan residents.” The action appears to be focused more on the payment options that the state claims are designed to “lure Michigan players into risky gambling environments.”

The websites taken down would allow the unfettered use of PayPal, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies. With these options actively available, it can be quite easy for those addicted to gambling to fall prey to the sites’ tactics.

MGCB cites that the platforms are actively “withholding winnings and imposing excessive wagering requirements.” By forcing players to gamble their “deposits multiple times” before unlocking winnings, they’ve been found to have broken Michigan’s legal rules of protections for gamblers.

In the press release, the MGCB says it has “taken decisive action”, as it found that the websites were operating without licenses. It doesn’t list every one of the “range of regulations” broken, but does state that the platforms had broken laws including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

Michigan had to release two statements, one after the other, with the first finding two websites of the 13 in violation. Lucky Tiger and Rich Palms Casino were the calm before the MGCB’s storm. All 13 sites have been given a two-week notice to cease operations in the state before further action is taken “in partnership with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.”

Last month, the state found ten other casino websites to be in violation of its laws.