Michigan Shuts Down 19 Unlicensed Gambling Sites in Largest Action Yet

Michigan’s gaming regulator just handed out cease-and-desist letters to 19 online gambling sites, including big names like Ignition and Café Casino, marking its most aggressive enforcement push to date.

Cease-and-Desist

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is done playing nice. After online sweepstakes casinos, regular “shady” operators have come into the legislators’ crosshairs.

On July 2, the regulator announced cease-and-desist orders against 19 online gambling sites accused of illegally targeting Michigan players. It’s the largest enforcement action in the state’s history and a major warning shot to offshore operators that have been flying under the radar for too long.

“These platforms operate in the shadows,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “They’re not just skirting the rules—they’re exposing players to serious harm.”

Who’s on the List?

The MGCB didn’t go after just one kind of site. The 19 named operators span the spectrum, from crypto-friendly platforms to old-school online casinos. All of them, according to the MGCB, were running afoul of Michigan’s gambling laws.

Here’s who got hit:

• Bingo Village
• Bitbet
• Café Casino
• Cocoa Casino
• Cyber Bingo
• Davinci’s Gold
• Desert Nights Casino
• Diamond Reels
• Eclipse Casino
• Eternal Slots
• EuroBets Casino
• Fair Go Casino
• GoldWin Casino
• Ignition Casino
• Jackbit
• Jackpot Capital
• Paradise8
• Red Stag Casino
• Two Up Casino

Each operator was ordered to halt all activities directed at Michigan residents. If they don’t comply within 14 days, the state could escalate things with legal action via the Attorney General’s office.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Michigan isn’t just flexing for headlines. This move hits directly at an issue regulators have been warning about for years: unlicensed gambling puts players at real risk.

Williams didn’t mince words. “When companies offer games without proper licensing, Michigan players are left without the critical protections they deserve. That’s unacceptable.”

Those risks include:

• No guarantee of fair games
• No legal recourse if a player’s money disappears
• No oversight to stop data abuse or financial misconduct

In short: you’re on your own.

More Sites Still Under Scrutiny

The MGCB isn’t stopping with this batch. Investigations are ongoing into several other platforms suspected of operating without licenses including:

• BoVegas Casino
• BUSR
• Cherry Gold Casino
• Lucky Legends
• Wager Attack Casino

While no formal action has been announced against these sites yet, regulators say more enforcement is likely.

 Operators Have Two Weeks to Shut Down or Face the Heat

The 19 flagged platforms aren’t just getting a warning, they’re on the clock. The MGCB has given each operator 14 days to fully cut off access to Michigan players. After that, it’s not just regulatory wrist-slaps on the table. The state could bring in the Attorney General, escalate to court-ordered shutdowns, and even pursue criminal charges under Michigan’s gambling laws.

This Isn’t Just About Michigan

What we’re seeing is part of a broader shift. States like Connecticut, Montana, and Louisiana have also started aggressively pushing back on unlicensed online gambling. Michigan’s latest move shows regulators aren’t just reacting, they’re preparing to lead the charge.

For now, Michigan players are being told to avoid any platform not licensed by the state, and to report anything suspicious to the MGCB directly.

If you’re worried and not in Michigan, check out where real-money casinos and online sweepstakes casinos are legal.

What Michigan Players Should Do

If you’re gambling online in Michigan, don’t assume a slick-looking site means it’s legit. Here’s how to stay safe:

Check for a Michigan License

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) publishes a full list of licensed operators on its official site. If a platform isn’t on that list, it’s not approved. Period.

Look for Red Flags

Unlicensed casinos often:

• Push “crypto-only” or vague gaming models
• Have no customer support or only email access
• Skip identity verification (KYC) altogether
• Promise wild bonuses with no real terms