The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a formal cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited N.V., the operator of MyBookie.ag, a popular online gambling platform based in Curaçao. This site, which is not licensed to operate in Michigan, offers various casino-style games such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps, alongside sports betting and horse racing options.

Unlicensed gambling and state law violations:

In the cease-and-desist letter, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams highlighted the serious concerns raised by MyBookie.ag’s accessibility to Michigan residents, stressing that it violates several state regulations governing gambling operations.

“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws,” Williams stated in the regulator’s press release. “We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming.”

MyBookie.ag’s operations within Michigan come under scrutiny for multiple violations of state laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. These regulations stipulate that online gaming activities must be conducted only by operators licensed by the MGCB or federally authorized tribal casinos within Michigan. Since MyBookie.ag is not licensed in Michigan, its activities breach these essential laws, which could result in significant legal consequences for the company.

The MGCB’s investigation revealed that MyBookie.ag provides a range of payment methods for account deposits, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, and even MoneyGram. However, withdrawals from the platform can only be made using Bitcoin or via bank wire transfer.

Despite these payment methods, the lack of a valid Michigan gambling license means MyBookie.ag is operating illegally, and under Michigan law, operating a gambling business without proper licensing is classified as a felony. This offense carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $100,000, or both.

The cease-and-desist letter mandates that Duranbah Limited N.V. cease all gambling operations directed toward Michigan residents within 14 days of receiving the notice. If the company fails to comply with this directive, the MGCB has made it clear that it will work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue further legal action.

The MGCB has also issued a warning to Michigan residents, urging them to be cautious when engaging in online gaming activities. The agency has advised individuals to verify that any online gambling platform they use is properly licensed within the state.

Impact on other states and legal precedents:

This is not the first time that a state regulator has taken action against unlicensed online gambling operators. Michigan’s action against MyBookie.ag follows similar steps taken against other offshore platforms, such as Bovada, which has faced scrutiny in multiple states. The success of Michigan’s enforcement action may inspire other state gaming boards to issue their own cease-and-desist orders to companies operating without proper licenses.

While Bovada has cooperated with state regulators by blocking access for users in restricted states, it remains to be seen whether MyBookie.ag will do the same or fight these efforts. If MyBookie.ag agrees to cease its operations in Michigan, it could prompt other states to act swiftly, potentially setting a precedent for further crackdowns on offshore gaming companies.

For now, the MGCB is focused on ensuring that Michigan residents are not exposed to illegal gambling risks. The state’s gaming regulators are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to take additional legal measures if necessary.

The MGCB encourages residents to report any unlicensed gambling activities they come across. This allows the state agency to investigate and take appropriate action against unauthorized gambling operators.