The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has stepped up its enforcement actions against illegal online gambling by issuing cease-and-desist letters to four offshore operators—You Wager, Bet Pop Casino, Wager 7, and Discount Wager. These sites have been found to be illegally providing gaming services to residents in Michigan without the necessary state licenses, breaching multiple state statutes in the process.

The MGCB determined that each of these entities violated the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. In its announcement, the agency emphasized that the operators offered unregulated internet wagering, including sports betting and casino-style games, despite lacking state authorization to do so.

Details of the Unlicensed Operators

You Wager, founded in 1998 and operating under a Costa Rican license, caters to bettors across the U.S., including Michigan. Known for high-stakes sports betting, the platform allows NFL spread bets up to $10,000 and offers a broad range of betting options such as esports, MMA, and global soccer events.

Bet Pop Casino, accessible via betpop.lv, has been running since 2019 under ownership by First Fidelity Company. This online casino features a selection of gambling options like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, but operates without any official authorization within the state.

Wager 7 combines a sportsbook and online casino, targeting U.S. customers with betting lines on NFL games, college football, soccer, horse racing, and auto racing. The platform also promotes features such as “same-day payouts” and incentivizes users to refer others through a buddy referral program.

Discount Wager, launched in 2020 and also operated by First Fidelity Company, runs an online casino without clear terms or player safeguards. The lack of basic consumer protections and licensing poses significant risks to users, the MGCB warned.

Legal and Consumer Implications

In its findings, the MGCB reported that these gambling websites operated in direct defiance of Michigan laws. The illegal status of these platforms exposes players to serious risks, including the absence of responsible gaming measures, lack of recourse in the case of disputes, and no guarantee of data or financial security.

The state’s penal code clearly outlines the illegality of unlicensed gambling. Specifically, it prohibits accepting money based on the outcome of games of chance without proper legal authorization. As such, operating an unlicensed gambling service is classified as a felony offense in Michigan.

“Illegal gambling operations prey on vulnerable consumers and undermine the integrity of the regulated gaming industry,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Michigan residents deserve the protections that come with licensed, legal gaming. We will continue to take strong action against those who skirt the law.”

MGCB’s Broader Enforcement Strategy

The move against these four operators is part of a broader crackdown by the MGCB on unlawful gambling activities. In recent months, the agency has issued multiple rounds of cease-and-desist orders to various unlicensed online platforms. Just days before this action, the MGCB took similar steps against 14 illegal operators, including websites like BetFlip, Casino Extreme, and Juicy Stakes, which were also found to be functioning without appropriate licensing.

This enforcement pattern continued into April, when 13 additional gambling websites were ordered to stop servicing Michigan users due to similar legal violations. The MGCB also targeted Panama-based operators such as SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag, citing unauthorized bets across various categories, including sports, politics, and casino games.

The four most recent operators targeted—You Wager, Bet Pop Casino, Wager 7, and Discount Wager—have been given 14 days to comply, or they risk further legal action in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

Legal Gaming Industry Remains Stable

Meanwhile, Michigan’s regulated gaming industry continues to function within legal parameters. Detroit’s three commercial casinos—MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown—reported a combined revenue of $109.8 million in April 2025.

Market share for the month showed MGM Grand Detroit leading with 47%, followed by MotorCity Casino at 30%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23%. The state collected $20,276 in gaming taxes and the City of Detroit received $24,781 in wagering tax contributions from sports betting during April.