The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continues to be one of the most active gambling regulatory bodies in the United States in terms of restricting access to its market for online casino play. The MGCB has again ordered operators of unlicensed websites to stop accepting plays for real money from people in the state.
It’s uncertain whether the recipients of this action will comply and if so, how soon. Each of these actions reinforces why licensed operators value being present in Michigan.
MGCB delivers the bad news to two companies
On Thursday, Oct. 3, and Friday, Oct. 4, the MGCB issued cease and desist orders to Ace23 and Papaya Gaming. Those companies operate multiple websites, including:
- 21 Cash
- Ace Per Head
- Bingo Cash
- Bubble Cash
- Solitaire Cash
According to MGCB news releases, these companies offering their games to players violate three state laws. For that reason, the MGCB argues that the recipients of the letters have 14 days to comply or the MGCB “will take legal action.”
It’s unclear whether Ace23 or Papaya plan to comply within that time. To date, these letters have been successful in their intent for the MGCB.
MGCB building on run of success
This is the third such letter that the MGCB has sent in the past two months, following a similar order for One Country Give to carve Michiganders out of its business. The MGCB has been busy on this front in 2024, with several similar instances preceding that.
For the MGCB, the issue is larger than just the statutes in question. These actions protect the value of a gambling license to operate in Michigan and work to maximize the tax revenue the state can collect from Michigan online casinos.
These enforcement actions also benefit consumers in their attempt to ensure that only gambling sites that comply with consumer protection and responsible gambling standards are available to Michiganders. Unregulated sites do not undergo the same level of scrutiny from the MGCB on those matters.
For the recipients of these letters, compliance eliminates a significant US market but the cost of non-compliance could be greater than foregoing Michigan. To date, most of the MGCB’s targets have chosen compliance over testing the resolve of Michigan’s law enforcement agencies.
Sending these letters will likely be a never-ending task for the MGCB but that doesn’t appear to be a source of discouragement for the body. Its determination has already built a formidable reputation.