Michigan’s Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has intensified efforts to combat illegal gambling by issuing cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed operators, aiming to protect players and uphold state regulations.
Since mid-2024, the MGCB has sent 259 cease-and-desist letters to illegal online gambling sites, achieving a 64.1% compliance rate. This marks a notable improvement from the roughly 50% compliance reported in late 2025. The campaign began with the offshore sportsbook Bovada, which exited Michigan within 14 days of receiving its order in May 2024.
Illegal gambling operators often target Michigan residents without providing essential consumer protections such as age verification, responsible gambling tools, and accessible customer support. The MGCB’s enforcement actions aim to reduce these risks by removing unlicensed operators from the market.
GeoComply data from March 2023 to March 2025 shows a significant decline in Michigan-based traffic to offshore gambling brands that received cease-and-desist letters. This shift benefits players by directing more gambling activity toward licensed operators who comply with state laws designed to safeguard consumers.
A March 2026 study by igaming analytics firm Blask ranked Michigan first among fully regulated states for channelization—the proportion of gambling activity routed to legal operators. Approximately 75% of Michigan players now use licensed sites, compared to a 62% average in other regulated states. This success stems from Michigan’s broad legalization of gaming options combined with the MGCB’s rigorous enforcement against illegal operators.
The MGCB has also targeted unlicensed sports prediction markets. In 2026, temporary restraining orders barred companies such as KalshiEX, Robinhood, Coinbase, and Polymarket from offering sports wagering contracts to Michigan residents. These markets often lack the consumer safeguards required of licensed sportsbooks.
“Illegal gambling operators target Michigan residents, while offering none of the protections our laws require,“ said Henry Williams, MGCB executive director. He added, “Michigan has become a model for other states, and we will keep at it until illegal operators understand that Michigan is off-limits.“
For players, this crackdown means safer gambling environments with regulated operators who provide age checks, responsible gaming tools, and avenues for dispute resolution. It also supports community funding, as revenues from legal gambling contribute to schools and local programs.
Players should remain vigilant about offshore and unlicensed sites, which may not adhere to legal standards or offer adequate protections. Opting for licensed Michigan operators ensures compliance with state laws and access to responsible gambling resources.
Similar enforcement efforts are underway in other states. For example, Louisiana recently obtained a temporary restraining order against multiple prediction market operators, including Kalshi and Polymarket, to stop unlicensed gambling activities within its borders (CDC Gaming).
For more information on illegal gambling enforcement and player protections, visit the Illegal Gambling and Player Protection sections. To explore Michigan’s regulated betting options, see our USA coverage.
Source: CDC Gaming.
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