Gambling regulators in Michigan and Arizona are continuing their illegal online gambling crackdown with a further nineteen cease-and-desist letters.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued cease-and-desist letters to 15 unlicensed iGaming sites found to be targeting Michigan residents, taking the total for the year to more than 130.
These sites were found to offer casino-style games or interactive wagering without the required licensing, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.
The latest cease-and desist orders in Michigan were issued to: 7 Bit Casino, Avia Games Inc., Grande Vegas Casino, High Country Casino, i Net Bet, Liberty Slots Casino, Lincoln Casino, Lucky Hippo Casino, Miami Club Casino, PrimaPlay Casino, Slot Madness, Slots Plus Casino, Sun Palace Casino, Vegas Casino Online, and Vegas2Web Casino.
“These unlawful operators try to present themselves as legitimate entertainment options, but they offer zero player protections, no accountability, and a real risk to consumers,” said MGCB executive director Henry Williams. “Our message is simple: If you want to offer gambling in Michigan, follow the law or we will stop you. We will continue to work aggressively to keep illegal gambling out of our state.”
Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has continued its own enforcement action against unlicensed operators, with four cease-and-desist orders issued to illegal gaming sites offering “sweepstakes” casino-style models and event wagering sportsbook betting options.
These include Fliff and Thrillzz (sports betting), and BettySweeps Casino and Pulsz Casino (sweepstakes), which were found to be in violation of Arizona gaming laws, including Promotion of Gambling (Felony); Illegal Control of an Enterprise (Felony); and Money Laundering (Felony).
Last week, the ADG launched its first-ever statewide public education campaign focused on protecting consumers, promoting public awareness, and reducing the harms associated with unregulated gambling.
The campaign kicked off with a series of public service announcements (PSAs), developed in collaboration with the Arizona Media Association, for TV, radio, print, and digital platforms.
“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of providing world-class gaming regulation and consumer protection,” said Jackie Johnson, director of the ADG. “This campaign is about empowering Arizonans who choose to participate in gaming with the knowledge to make informed, responsible decisions.
“As illegal and unregulated options on the market increase, the Check Your Bet webpage serves as a key resource for the public to verify licensed operators and access support. By directing viewers from our PSAs to this tool, we’re helping ensure people not only play safely, but also know where to turn if they or a loved one are struggling with problem gambling.”