Michigan Regulator Orders Offshore Gambling Sites to Cease Illegal Operations Targeting State Residents

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders against four offshore gambling operators that have allegedly been unlawfully soliciting Michigan residents without holding state-issued licenses.

In a statement released Monday, the regulator identified You Wager, Bet Pop Casino, Wager 7, and Discount Wager as violators of several Michigan statutes, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

“These offshore gambling sites were accepting bets on sports and casino-style games from Michigan residents without being licensed under Michigan law,” the MGCB said, emphasizing that the actions followed a comprehensive investigation into the operators’ activities.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams underscored the broader risks posed by unregulated online betting platforms. “Illegal gambling operations prey on vulnerable consumers and undermine the integrity of the regulated gaming industry,” he stated.

“Michigan residents deserve the protections that come with licensed, legal gaming. We will continue to take strong action against those who skirt the law.”

Among the four operators cited, You Wager has been offering sportsbook services from Costa Rica since 1998. Known for catering to a U.S. customer base, the site reportedly allows high-stakes wagers, including NFL spread bets up to $10,000, despite lacking legal clearance to operate in Michigan.

Bet Pop Casino, launched in 2019 and owned by First Fidelity Company, was also named in the enforcement order. It offers a range of online casino games but does so without holding any license from Michigan regulators.

The MGCB also targeted Wager 7, a platform that markets both sports betting and casino-style games. The site has promoted features such as “same-day payouts” and a referral program, raising concerns that it may be drawing in players with enticing but unauthorized promotions.

Also flagged by the regulator is Discount Wager, another First Fidelity Company property, which entered the market in 2020. The MGCB noted that the platform fails to provide clear terms and conditions or basic consumer safeguards, further highlighting its non-compliance with the state’s regulatory framework.

The MGCB stated that these unlicensed platforms not only violate the law but also expose Michigan players to heightened risks. The lack of responsible gambling tools, regulatory oversight, and legal dispute mechanisms leaves consumers vulnerable to fraud and exploitation.

All four entities have been ordered to cease operations in Michigan within 14 days. The regulator warned that failure to comply could result in additional legal measures, potentially pursued in coordination with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

This latest enforcement action illustrates the MGCB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the state’s regulated gambling industry and protecting the public from illicit operators that function outside the bounds of state law. 

By fLEXI tEAM