Michigan gaming regulators have continued their efforts to root out unregulated online gaming operators from the state in 2026.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued cease-and-desist orders to 45 offshore operators over the past four months, including some popular poker sites. The board said last week the platforms have been unlawfully offering online casino games, sports betting, and poker to residents in the Wolverine State.
“The scope of this action sends a clear message: Michigan will not tolerate illegal operators targeting our residents or undermining the lawful businesses that have invested in complying with state law,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
“Our investigators work with unwavering focus to identify, document, and act against every unlicensed site that puts Michigan players at risk. This is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to take action against illegal gambling operators.”
Poker Sites Included In List
The MGCB released a list of 45 operators that were ordered to cease operations in the state. Some of those included sports wagering, online casino, and cryptocurrency gaming sites.
A few poker sites were also included on the list, including ACR, True Poker, BetOnline, and SportsBetting.ag.
So far, none of the companies have responded to the MGCB action. And since the platforms are operated offshore, it seems unlikely that any of the companies will block users from Michigan.
The state legalized online gaming and poker in 2019 and saw the first regulated sites go live in 2021. Over the last few years, the board has worked to force unregulated operators and sweepstakes casinos out of the market. How successful that has been for offshore sites isn’t known, but some sweeps operators have exited the market.
MGCB Warns Of Risks
The gaming regulator noted that the companies operate outside the state’s regulatory framework and lack consumer protections. The regulator also said offshore sites may have unfair or manipulated games and systems that don’t protect user data.
In 2024, the state sent cease-and-desist letters to VGW Holdings, the parent company of Global Poker and Chumba Casino, and two other operators. The MGCB has also demanded dozens of other operators cease operations in Michigan over the last few years.
Michigan is one of a handful of US states with legalized online gaming. Maine joined that group in January by legalizing iGaming and online poker through the state’s four federally-recognized tribes. However, one of the state’s two commercial casinos has sued to block the law from going into effect.
