Ollie Ring Gambling Expert
Ollie is a sports betting and online gaming expert, with nearly ten years writing and editing experience. He most enjoys deep-dives the fineprint of regulation or data-led reports to bring nuance to his analysis. Away...
Read Full BioMichigan gambling regulators have issued a further two cease and desist letters to offshore casinos as it continues to focus on curbing illegal gambling activity.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has ordered Curaçao-based Alistair Solutions NV to cease operations of two offshore casino brands, Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino.
In a release, the regulator stated that the two casino brands are in breach of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
Both casinos have 14 days from the receipt of the cease-and-desist letter to cease all gambling operations currently available to Michigan residents if they wish to avoid further legal action and penalties.
Those who breach the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act can be found guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
The MGCB received a tip about the gaming websites, and an investigation found that both sites offered Michigans a variety of games such as online slots, table games, and video poker.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to make it clear that any operator found to be operating unlawfully will face appropriate consequences,” commented Henry Williams, an Executive Director at the MGCB.
“This agency has zero tolerance for illegal gambling. We will continue to exercise our regulatory oversight and authority to protect the interests of Michigan citizens and licensed operators and ensure that all online gambling activities here are compliant with the law.”
Michigan Regulator Keeping Busy
In March, the MGCB ordered fifteen offshore casino brands to cease and desist. The most extensive clampdown was on casino skins belonging to Apex Dynamics Limited, a Belize-based company operating in the Wolverine State without a license.
The regulator found the company readily accepting deposits from Michigan users, allowing them to wager on real-money casino games.
The state is among the most proactive in attempting to curb offshore operators, as shown by over 15 enforcement actions last month.
iGaming Continues to Grow in the State
The legislative trend across the United States of America regarding gambling is prohibition. Although online sports betting has proliferated countrywide, iGaming has frequently hit stumbling blocks.
This is despite the substantial numbers coming out of regulated iGaming states such as Michigan.
iGaming drew $222.5 million in gross receipts in February 2025, up 18.4% year over year, and adjusted gross receipts showed 23.6% growth in the same period.
The current market leader, by adjusted gross receipts, was FanDuel (in partnership with MotorCity Casino), followed by BetMGM and the MGM Grand Detroit. DraftKings, in partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community, rounded off the top three.
The state received $42.3 million in tax from iGaming for February.
