Compliance Updates

MGCB Announces Successful Destruction of Illegal Gaming Machines

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2023

mgcb-announces-successful-destruction-of-illegal-gaming-machines

Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams has announced that numerous unlicensed illegal gaming machines were recently destroyed at the City Recycling Inc. junkyard located at 1943 Mack Avenue in Detroit.

The machines had been seized by the Attorney General during various MGCB investigations into alleged illegal gambling activity. To ensure that the machines cannot be reused or sold, they were crushed using heavy machinery to prevent any salvageable parts from being used elsewhere.

“Illegal gaming continues to pose a threat to Michigan citizens and their communities, as it often leads to an increase in organized criminal activity, financial exploitation, and other related social issues. Unregulated gaming machines also result in a loss of state revenue. Operators running illegal gaming establishments are not reporting earnings or paying taxes — they are essentially robbing Michigan citizens of taxes and revenue used to support our schools through the School Aid Fund and our communities and local governments with essential state funding dollars,” Williams said.

Illegal gaming refers to any form of gambling or betting activity — which involves the elements of consideration, prize, and chance — that is conducted outside the boundaries of the law. It is a widespread problem across the US and not unique to Michigan. According to the American Gaming Association’s report, Sizing the Illegal and Unregulated Gaming Markets in the US, unregulated gaming machines, including so-called “skill machines,” continue to proliferate, with an estimated 580,651 unregulated machines in the US. With 870,000 regulated machines in casinos across the country, that means 40% of all gaming machines are unlicensed.

“The machines destroyed by the MGCB are the tools of criminals, cheating their neighbors of their hard-earned money as well as the state out of gaming revenues that support our schools. Illegal gaming operations are a danger to their communities, typically becoming local hotspots for other crimes and violence. We will continue to coordinate with the Michigan Gaming Control Board to ensure our state’s gambling laws are strictly enforced,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.

“The destruction of these machines sends a clear message that the Michigan Gaming Control Board is not playing games when it comes to upholding the highest standards of gaming regulation and enforcement. The MGCB will continue to ensure that unauthorized machines are not left to chance to be repurposed and used again by those who choose to break the law,” Williams added.

Michigan law prohibits accepting money or anything of value with the understanding that money, or something of value, will be paid to any person contingent upon the outcome of an uncertain event. Unlicensed casinos, unauthorized online gambling platforms, underground sports-betting operations, or any other form of wagering that is not regulated by the MGCB are all considered forms of illegal gaming.

As part of its work to halt illegal gaming, the MGCB and the Liquor Control Commission began a joint effort in 2022 to educate the public and business owners about illegal use of gambling machines. As a result of MGCB investigations from January 2015 through July 2023, a total of 1195 illegal machines and $470,401.98 have been seized. Additionally, since November 2022, 48 locations have received cease-and-desist letters involving 105 illegal machines.

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B2B Gaming License

Massive Gaming Gains MGA B2B Approval to Accelerate Global iGaming Alliances

Published

17 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

massive-gaming-gains-mga-b2b-approval-to-accelerate-global-igaming-alliances

Massive Gaming (MVG), an international iGaming content supplier based in Australia, has obtained a B2B Gaming License from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), representing a significant achievement in the firm’s growth into regulated global markets.

The MGA license allows Massive Gaming to provide its gaming content and solutions to operators licensed under Malta‘s regulatory framework, enhancing the company’s capacity to partner with associates throughout Europe and other regulated regions.

To facilitate its regulatory growth, Massive Gaming set up MVG Malta, a specialized entity formed during the licensing process, which aids the company’s larger strategy to enhance its presence within the European iGaming landscape.

Massive Gaming expands its gaming lineup through three studios: Slot Mart, Whale House, and Blitzcrown. Each provides a variety of gaming experiences, including classic slot games, content from regulated markets, and new non-traditional gaming formats like crash-style games.

George Cho, Director at Massive Gaming, said: “Securing the MGA B2B license represents an important milestone for Massive Gaming as we continue to expand our presence in regulated markets. This achievement strengthens our ability to collaborate with operators and partners worldwide, and we look forward to building new partnerships as we grow our global distribution network.”

The Malta Gaming Authority is well-known as one of the most esteemed regulatory agencies in the worldwide iGaming sector, offering a strong foundation for compliance, transparency, and player safety.

Having obtained the MGA B2B license, Massive Gaming seeks to enhance its collaborations with operators and platforms looking for premium gaming content in regulated markets.

The post Massive Gaming Gains MGA B2B Approval to Accelerate Global iGaming Alliances appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGLC

Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry

Published

17 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

bede-gaming-cleared-for-alberta-market-entry

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) board has approved Bede Gaming as suitable to hold a conditional one-year iGaming Goods or Services Supplier licence, ahead of Alberta’s regulated gambling market opening later this year.

As one of the first international platform providers to gain regulatory approval, Bede Gaming is now positioned to offer its platform and services to operators targeting Alberta, unlocking new commercial opportunities as the province launches its regulated iGaming ecosystem.

Fully SOC 2 certified, Bede Gaming provides operators with a streamlined entry into the market. Its comprehensive in-house product suite, combined with over 150 third-party integrations, equips businesses with the tools to scale efficiently and sustainably while navigating a newly regulated environment.

Having opened registrations in January 2026, Alberta’s iGaming market is expected to follow a growth trajectory similar to Ontario’s regulated sector, making it an attractive destination for international operators. Bede is proud to be among the first licensed providers preparing for the province’s official market launch.

Colin Cole-Johnson, CEO of Bede Gaming, commented:
“Bede is thrilled to receive conditional regulatory approval to operate in Alberta, putting us in a strong position to support operators as they expand into the province.

“We have a long-standing commitment to the Canadian iGaming market, and this marks an exciting new chapter. Being one of the first applicants recognised by the regulator allows us to offer a truly localised service, and our SOC 2 certification ensures partners can launch quickly and confidently.”

The post Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGLC

Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry

Published

17 hours ago

March 23, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) board has declared Bede Gaming suitable to hold a conditional one-year iGaming Goods or Services Supplier licence when the province opens its regulated gambling market later in the year.

As one of the first international platform providers to be granted approval from the regulator, Bede is now ready to offer its services to operators targeting Alberta when the newly-regulated province officially goes live, creating a range of commercial possibilities for the company moving forward.

Fully SOC 2 certified, the established software provider is well-equipped to help partners secure a quick and hassle-free entry into Alberta, and its suite of in-house products and 150+ third-party integrations provides the perfect toolset for businesses to scale both efficiently and sustainably.

Having begun accepting registrations in January 2026, Alberta is expected to see growth on par with the regulated Ontario iGaming market over the longer term, making it an enticing destination for international operators looking to expand their global outreach; and Bede is honoured to be among the first licensed providers in the run-up to the province officially opening for business.

Colin Cole-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Bede Gaming, said: “Bede is delighted to receive conditional regulatory approval to work in Alberta, putting us in a great position to support operators with their upcoming expansions in the province.

“We have a longstanding investment in the Canadian iGaming industry, and I’m eager for the exciting opportunities ahead in this new market. As one of the first applicants to be formally recognised by the regulator, Bede offers a truly localised service to its partners, and the fact that we’re SOC 2 certified will allow them to hit the ground running as soon as they’re ready to launch.”

The post Bede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.