The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) continued its campaign against illegal gambling, issuing five cease-and-desist letters to operators offering illegal services in the state.
The MGCB found BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino to be operating in violation of several state laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
Key takeaways
- The MGCB ordered five gambling sites to cease operations for violating Michigan’s gaming and penal laws.
- All five platforms accepted Michigan players without holding a license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
- The move comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal gambling, ncluding sites like BetUS and prediction markets.
Michigan online casinos are legal, but each operator must hold a license with the MGCB to operate legally. The MGCB determined the sites were providing games to Michigan players in an unlicensed capacity, evading oversight and subjecting consumers to possible fraud and unfair play.
BoVegas Casino was cited for offering online slots and table games without state approval. BUSR, a casino and sportsbook, was found to be operating in the Wolverine State without meeting legal requirements.
Cherry Gold Casino gave residents game options while operating outside the regulatory system. Lucky Legends provided rewards and VIP bonuses but didn't qualify for a license. Wager Attack Casino provided casino and sportsbook services without state approval.
The MGCB stated the five sites accepted wagers and deposits from Michigan residents and offered games such as sports betting, blackjack, and slot games. The investigators stated site users were exposed to high risks such as unreliable payouts, no protection if something went wrong, and even rigged game outcomes, which aren’t an issue at regulated Michigan online casinos.
"These illegal sites undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry and put players at serious risk. We will not tolerate unlicensed gambling operations that exploit Michigan residents. Our top priority is to protect the public by enforcing the law and shutting down these illegal platforms,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
Michigan Gaming Control Board continues campaign against offshore gambling
This is far from the first cease-and-desist letter the MGCB issued. The regulator is one of the most proactive in the U.S., sending notices to several operators monthly since the start of 2025. One of the most prominent was its cease-and-desist letter to BetUS in May, an offshore company in Costa Rica.
The site, which has been operating globally since 1994 and has more than one million customers, was found to offer internet gaming and sportsbook wagering to Michigan residents. Although BetUS is licensed in the Comoros Union, it doesn't possess a valid license in Michigan to provide its services.
Sports prediction markets under MGCB scrutiny
The MGCB also launched probes regarding sports prediction markets on April 11. These websites, where individuals can sell and buy predictions on sporting outcomes, aren't regulated by state authorities. However, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved sites like Kalshi to operate across the U.S.
