MGCB Orders More Illegal Gambling Sites Shut Down

Four new websites by a single operator are targeted in the regulator’s latest push against the illegal gambling sector Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued more cease-and-desist letters against websites that it has deemed to have been operating illegally and without a license in the Great Lakes State.

MGCB Goes After More Illegal Websites in the State

This is part of a more ambitious and far-reaching push by the watchdog, which has been actively looking to single out and shut down prominent offshore operators that have continued to operate in breach of what the regulator argues are at least three laws:

• The Lawful Internet Gaming Act
• The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act
• The Michigan Penal Code

Among the companies named in the latest enforcement are brands operated by a single company – Tech Zone Inc, which is based in the Comoros. The websites are as follows: Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino.

They have provided players with several services that are normally regulated under state laws but require a specific licensing procedure that is administered by MGCB. The regulator insisted that none of the brands, let alone the operator, held such licensing and could not therefore offer their products and services locally.

Regulator Warns Wrongdoers, Further Action Planned in Case of Non-Compliance

The websites have 14 daysto comply with the MGCB-issued letters before the state’s attorney general and other law enforcement agencies become involved. In a statement, MGCB executive director Henry Williamshas warned such operators from withdrawing willingly from the market:

“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to ngake strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,”Williams said.

So far, the MGCB has acted against 130 illegal gamblingwebsitesin similar cases, and the regulator is not expecting to slow down any time soon.