USA

Michigan Targets 33 Illegal Offshore Gambling Operators

October 9, 2026
Priya Patel

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to 33 offshore gambling operators illegally offering online casino games, sweepstakes-style games, and sports betting to Michigan residents. This recent enforcement action highlights ongoing risks for players using unlicensed sites and underscores the importance of licensed operators in protecting consumers.

The MGCB identified operators such as Azartzona Casino, Basepoker, BingoMania, mBit Casino, and others as providing gambling services without a state license. These offshore sites are not subject to Michigan’s regulatory framework, which includes mandatory participation in the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database. This database allows players to voluntarily self-exclude from gambling activities, a protection that does not extend to unlicensed operators.

Players who have chosen to self-exclude within Michigan’s legal market may still be able to open accounts, deposit funds, and place bets on these offshore sites, often unknowingly. The MGCB warns that these operators do not respect self-exclusion requests, potentially exposing vulnerable individuals to further gambling harm without recourse to recover lost funds.

“Choosing to self-exclude is one of the hardest and most courageous decisions a person can make, and in Michigan’s legal market, that choice is respected,“ said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Offshore sites don’t respect it. They will take a deposit from someone who has asked for help and the MGCB has no way to help that person get it back.”

This crackdown comes amid broader national concerns about the growth of illegal gambling. A 2025 American Gaming Association (AGA) report estimated that Americans wager nearly $674 billion annually with illegal and unregulated operators, including offshore sites. The illegal market has grown 22% since 2022, driven largely by increased illegal online casino play.

The AGA also found that only 24% of online casino players now use exclusively legal sites, down from 52% in 2022. Nearly half of players use both legal and illegal platforms, increasing their exposure to unregulated risks. For sports bettors, about one in ten wager exclusively through illegal sources, often unaware of the illegality. Earlier AGA research showed that 70% of bettors using illegal operators believed they were betting legally or splitting bets evenly between legal and illegal sportsbooks.

For Michigan players, this enforcement action is a reminder to verify that gambling sites are licensed by the MGCB before depositing money or placing bets. Licensed operators must comply with consumer protection measures, including responsible gambling tools and self-exclusion programs, which are not guaranteed on offshore sites.

The MGCB’s letters serve as a warning that illegal operators targeting Michigan residents will face regulatory action. “Our residents are not an untapped market and anyone who thinks they can ignore our protections will hear from us,” Williams added.

Players concerned about gambling harm or seeking to self-exclude can find resources through Michigan’s official responsible gaming programs. Avoiding unlicensed sites reduces risks related to unfair practices, lack of dispute resolution, and absence of player protections.

For more information on Michigan’s gambling regulations and player protections, visit the CDC Gaming report and the USA category on GamblingNews.today.

Related coverage includes the recent Coinbase settlement with Michigan regulators and broader responsible gambling initiatives.

Priya Patel
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