The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has initiated investigations into unlicensed sports prediction markets operating within the state. These platforms, which bypass Michigan’s regulatory framework, have raised significant concerns about consumer protections.

Michigan’s investigations align with similar actions already taken by other state regulatory bodies and focus on how this form of unlicensed sports betting may jeopardize the integrity of Michigan’s legal sports betting system.

“We take consumer protection very seriously and are committed to ensuring that Michigan residents are engaging with safe and legal sports betting options. Unlicensed entities not only pose a risk to consumers but also undercut the integrity and revenue-generating potential of the state’s regulated sports betting industry. We are actively investigating these practices and will pursue appropriate measures to protect Michigan bettors,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.

The unlicensed platforms offer what they describe as innovative financial products that allow users to trade their predictions on the outcomes of sports events. By sidestepping the regulatory protections of Michigan’s legal sports betting market, these platforms pose a serious risk to consumers. They create potential confusion among bettors and blur the line between sports betting as entertainment and sports betting as a financial trading vehicle.

Beyond concerns over lost tax revenue, these unregulated platforms may expose Michigan residents to various risks, including fraud, identity theft, and inadequate data security. Unlike licensed sportsbooks, which are required to adhere to strict regulations including age verification, Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, anti-money laundering (AML) measures, self-exclusion policies, and integrity monitoring, unlicensed entities may operate without these safeguards. As a result, consumers can be left vulnerable to financial harm.

The MGCB is also concerned that promoting sports betting as an investment opportunity directly contradicts Michigan’s established responsible gaming principles.

“Sports betting is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a financial investment. By framing sports contracts as investment vehicles, these platforms risk confusing consumers and undermining the state’s commitment to responsible gaming. Moreover, many of these unlicensed platforms are often accessible to individuals as young as 18, in stark contrast to Michigan’s 21+ age requirement for legal sports betting,” Williams added.

Action aims to safeguard Michigan players from unregulated, high-risk gambling practices

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken swift and decisive action against 13 illegal offshore gambling websites, which were found to be unlawfully targeting Michigan residents. The websites in question—Captain Jack Casino, Casino Brango, Ducky Luck Casino, El Royale Casino, Jazz Casino, Jazz Sports Casino Racebook, Looselines, Planet 7 Casino, Red Dog Casino, Royal Oak Casino, Silver Oak Casino, Skybook, and Slots of Vegas—were operating without proper state licenses, in clear violation of Michigan law.

The operators of these sites, based in jurisdictions including Curaçao, Costa Rica, and the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, have been issued cease-and-desist orders by the MGCB. The action comes as part of ongoing efforts to protect Michigan’s residents from unregulated gambling practices and ensure the integrity of the state’s gaming industry.

Protecting Michigan Residents from Illegal Gambling Risks “These illegal gambling websites put Michigan residents at significant personal and financial risk,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. “Our priority is to maintain a secure and regulated gaming environment. These websites not only violate Michigan’s laws but also engage in deceptive practices that endanger consumers, including withholding winnings and imposing unfair wagering requirements.”

The websites, which allowed Michigan players to gamble using a variety of payment methods—such as credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies—engaged in dishonest practices, such as restricting withdrawals and demanding players meet high, often unreasonable, wagering thresholds before accessing their funds. This leaves users vulnerable to financial exploitation and undermines the fairness of the gambling experience.

In addition to financial risks, these offshore operators do not meet Michigan’s standards for responsible gaming, consumer protection, or data security, putting users at further risk of fraud and identity theft.

A Strong Message to Offshore Operators

The MGCB’s action serves as a firm warning to illegal offshore operators attempting to skirt Michigan’s legal framework. The cease-and-desist letters instruct the operators to cease all unlawful activities within 14 days of receipt. If the operators fail to comply, the MGCB will work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action against these entities.

How Michigan Residents Can Protect Themselves

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The MGCB strongly encourages Michigan residents to be vigilant and only engage with online gambling sites that are authorized and licensed by the State of Michigan. To assist players in identifying legal operators, the MGCB provides a list of approved platforms on its official website at Michigan.gov/MGCB.

Residents who suspect illegal gambling activity or who encounter suspicious online platforms are urged to report it immediately. Tips can be submitted by calling the MGCB hotline at 1-888-314-2682 or by emailing [email protected].

Commitment to Ensuring a Safe Gaming Environment

The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains unwavering in its commitment to preserving the integrity of Michigan’s gaming market. The MGCB continues to monitor the online gaming landscape closely to ensure all operators comply with state regulations and uphold the highest standards of consumer protection, fairness, and security.

“These relentless actions are part of our ongoing effort to provide a transparent and trustworthy gaming environment for all Michigan residents,” Williams added. “We will continue to take necessary steps to protect players and maintain the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry.”

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 and is free and confidential.

BETER, the award-winning provider of fast betting content, data, and live streaming, has obtained vendor registration from the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), the regulatory authority in the U.S. state of New Jersey.

This marks BETER’s first regulatory approval in the United States, enabling the company to deliver its real-time data and live streams to licensed operators in New Jersey—empowering them to offer players non-stop, fast-paced betting experiences.

The first product approved by the New Jersey DGE is BETER’s flagship Setka Cup table tennis tournaments, which are already live on the New Jersey domain of tier-one sportsbook bet365, also operating in multiple U.S. states.

BETER arranges over 11,000 Setka Cup matches per month across over 16 arenas worldwide, offering  30+ betting markets per event. All contests are monitored 24/7 by BETER’s in-house integrity team, which is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of fair play and transparency.

In total, the provider organizes more than 46,000 fast betting events monthly across esports and sports disciplines. Its portfolio features ESportsBattle tournaments, which include popular titles such as eFootball, eBasketball, and eHockey, alongside classic sports like basketball, tennis, and table tennis. Additional disciplines are scheduled for release later in 2025.

BETER also provides an Esports Odds Feed which delivers market-leading odds for more than 450 tournaments globally with 40,000+ pre-match and live events each year. Odds are calculated using official data and are compiled by a team of expert traders.

Gal Ehrlich, CEO of BETER, said: “This is a milestone moment for the BETER team, as we see tremendous potential for our fast betting products and solutions in New Jersey and across the U.S.

“We’ve already built a strong reputation as a go-to provider in key markets from Latin America to Europe, and that trust has been instrumental in securing the approvals needed for our U.S. launch.

“Setka Cup has cultivated a loyal following worldwide, and we’re thrilled to introduce it to bettors in New Jersey—and in other U.S. states where we plan to go live in the coming months.”

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Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, added: “Securing our first U.S. approval marks a significant legal and operational achievement for BETER. Our legal team, in close collaboration with our trusted partner, the law firm Blank Rome, worked tirelessly with the New Jersey DGE to bring this to life.

“But we are not stopping there. We are accelerating efforts to certify our ESportsBattle product for the New Jersey market, while actively pursuing licenses in all U.S. states where gambling is permitted—the key ones, as of today, being Colorado, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.”