In a continued effort to safeguard Michigan residents and uphold the integrity of its regulated gaming environment, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to six online gambling operators unlawfully offering services in the state.

The named entities—Bonus Blitz Casino, DomGame, Royal Ace Casino, Slots Capital, Supernova Casino, and Wins Mania—have been found providing internet-based gambling without obtaining the necessary state authorization, violating Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.

“These illegal operators often masquerade as legitimate gaming platforms, but they exist entirely outside the legal safeguards that protect consumers. When Michiganders play on unlicensed sites, they’re placing their personal and financial security at risk—with little to no recourse if things go wrong,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.

Unlike Michigan-licensed gaming platforms—which undergo rigorous vetting, continuous monitoring, and must comply with strict state regulations—these unlicensed operators are not authorized to offer gaming services in the state. Some are based outside the US, operating beyond the reach of U.S. regulatory oversight, while others may claim domestic ties but still fail to meet Michigan’s legal and licensing requirements.

Because they operate without state approval, these entities do not follow Michigan’s consumer protection standards, responsible gaming mandates, or transparent dispute resolution procedures designed to ensure fair play and data security.

“This action sends a clear message to illegal operators: Michigan is not a place for rogue gambling. We are committed to preserving a safe, legal, and accountable gaming landscape—and that includes rooting out bad actors who threaten the trust we’ve built with consumers,” Williams said.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), an independent association representing 90% of the legal U.S. sports betting industry by handle, published its guidelines for operator VIP programs. These evidence-based recommended practices are intended to support members’ VIP policies to further incorporate robust responsible online gaming. These can help players maintain a balanced, enjoyable gaming experience within their own personal limits.

“Like in many sectors of entertainment, leisure and hospitality, sportsbook’s VIP programs aim to reward and retain loyal players, and it is essential that these programs are operated with a strong commitment to responsible gaming. These programs should support a shared understanding between hosts and players on the value of responsible gaming that fosters long-term loyalty and player well-being. There is a robust conversation ongoing regarding VIP programs, which is why we have prioritized this issue, as it is essential to provide research-driven guidance to adequately support these programs to help keep VIP players’ experience fun and recreational,” said ROGA Executive Director, Dr. Jennifer Shatley.

Guided by existing evidence, ROGA found that the most effective VIP programs combine proactive education, personalized engagement, and periodic program evaluation. Pursuing these objectives, ROGA identified the following recommended practices for operating VIP programs, many of which have already been implemented by some operators:

• Role-specific Training for VIP Hosts: Provide ongoing education specifically tailored to the unique needs of VIP Hosts.

• Automated Review: Operators will take advantage of technology to attempt to detect potentially risky behavioral patterns among VIP players, such as increased deposit frequency, extended play sessions, or repeated failed withdrawal attempts.

• Escalation Process: Operators will implement measures to escalate to a responsible gaming specialist when the operator identifies that a player might be exhibiting potential signs of problematic play. The specialist should conduct a review of the player’s behavior and take appropriate action on a case-by-case basis, such as connecting with trained behavioral health personnel.

• Integrate RG Messaging into VIP Communications: Communicate responsible gaming messages to VIP players using a range of tailored engagement channels.

• VIP Engagement Protocols: Establish protocols to guide interactions between VIP hosts and VIP players, with a focus on transparency, support, and responsible gaming.

• Promotions, Bonuses, and Incentives: VIP Hosts should not offer any VIP promotions, bonuses, or incentives to VIP players who are on a cool-off period, have self-excluded, or have a suspended or banned account, and must also provide all VIP players with the ability to opt out of receiving such incentives.

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• Making Data Available: Provide VIP players with access to player data that show player activity, including deposits, wagers, and withdrawals.

• Confirm Awareness of Tools: Require VIP players to confirm their familiarity with responsible gaming tools and resources upon onboarding.

• RG Education for VIP Players: Regularly provide VIP players with responsible gaming educational materials to support responsible gaming behavior.

• Regular Program Evaluation: Conduct annual reviews of the VIP program. This can include feedback from both VIP players and VIP hosts, as well as tracking the success of engagement strategies.

• Development and Updates: Operators should keep apprised of new tools and methods for responsible gaming as they are developed.

This non-exhaustive list of recommended practices is a critical step toward further supporting these programs. ROGA’s members have independently made the decision to commit to implementing these guidelines within a commercially reasonable timeframe.

With its members’ support, ROGA continues to identify and publish research-based recommended practices for responsible gaming across a variety of priority topics.

The Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division announced a settlement with Online Gaming Service Provider, High5Games, following an investigation into the licensee’s operation of an unlicensed online casino, High5Casino.

High5Games is a licensed service provider that develops and provides online slot content for the legal gaming platforms in Connecticut. High5Games license was summarily suspended on March 14, 2025, for alleged violations of Connecticut’s gaming laws.

High5Games has ceased operation of its online casino in Connecticut, and its Online Gaming Service Provider license has been reinstated, effective May 22.

High5Games has agreed to pay nearly $1.5 million as part of the settlement. That includes more than $643,000 in restitution to consumers who lost money to High5Casino, and nearly $800,000 for use in consumer complaint resolution programs, consumer education, consumer protection enforcement and litigation.

“This case is just one example of the hard work our Gaming Division does to ensure a fair, safe and legal gaming market in Connecticut. We are pleased the Connecticut consumers who were lured into placing wagers on an unlicensed platform will be made whole, and that this company has ceased operations of its unlicensed casino in Connecticut,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.

“We are satisfied with the outcome of this investigation, which has resulted in the return of funds to consumers who were harmed by the unfair marketing of an unlicensed sweepstakes casino. If you’re going to gamble, Connecticut is the best state to place a wager. We work hard to ensure fairness in our licensed market, and when violations do occur, we make every effort to make sure consumers are made whole,” said DCP Gaming Division Director Kris Gilman.