Compliance Updates
MGCB cracks down on 13 illegal offshore gambling websites targeting state residents
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
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.
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Australia
VGCCC: Footy Legends Team Up to Champion Limit Setting
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Aussie Rules football legend Sam Docherty and rugby league superstar Cameron Munster are teaming up for Gambling Harm Awareness Week to encourage people to set limits before they bet.
Both footballers use practical tools when they gamble and are sharing their advice with others, particularly males aged 18–34 who are the biggest users of wagering and sports gambling products.
“I’m committed to raising awareness and encouraging safer gambling habits. I know from experience the highs and lows that can come with gambling. Now, I want to focus on supporting change so that gambling harm can be minimised.
“In the last few years, I have grown immensely as a person and by setting limits, I’ve had the occasional gamble but have been able to focus on what matters most,” Munster said.
Sam Docherty said: “I’ve had my struggles with gambling in the past and now I set a weekly deposit limit. I’ve found it really helps keep my gambling activity in check. People struggling with gambling harm can feel stuck and alone because of feelings like shame and guilt – and I want them to know that it’s okay to seek help.
“It’s important that people, especially young guys, think about their actions before they place a bet. I wouldn’t take to the field without warming up and making sure my body was match fit. Setting a limit is the same. It will help protect you.
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO, Suzy Neilan said safety should be front of mind as the state’s sporting calendar ramps up.
“There is always a spike in wagering and sports gambling at this time of year, which is why it’s crucial we reach people that are statistically at greater risk of experiencing gambling harm.
“This is about safety. Setting a limit is like putting on a seatbelt as soon as you get in the car. Limits can reduce the likelihood of you experiencing gambling harm.”
Victorians spend more than $7 billion a year on gambling, including approximately $2.5 billion on wagering and sports betting products.
Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an annual event that encourages people to understand the risks of gambling. The 2025 campaign “Set before you bet” focuses on how setting limits can reduce someone’s risk of experiencing gambling harm. Protective behaviours that can be used include:
• Gamble no more than 2% of take home pay.
• Gamble no more than once a week.
• Gamble on no more than 2 different products.
“Sam and Cameron have unique experiences with gambling, and I commend them for implementing their own strategies, including setting limits when they gamble.
“What’s more, it’s great that these role models are now sharing their lessons and advice with other young men who are the cohort most at risk from experiencing gambling harm from sports betting,” Ms Neilan said.
The VGCCC has released findings from the annual Community Attitudes Survey, which asked more than 3000 Victorians about their views on gambling. The survey shows that most Victorians overwhelmingly agree gambling is addictive and can damage families and communities.
“With the widespread popularity of sports betting, it is so important for people to understand our Gambling Harm Awareness Week message and set limits before they bet,” Ms Neilan said.
“Gambling is a personal choice, and it’s vital that people are equipped with the knowledge and practical tools to manage their activity and participate safely.
‘The gambling industry must act with integrity, comply with their licence conditions and Code of Conduct obligations, and care for their customers who may be showing signs of gambling harm.”
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Compliance Updates
Kansspelautoriteit Sees Increasing Risk Analyses of Sports Betting
Reading Time: < 1 minute
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has conducted research into the risk analyses that online gambling providers must conduct regarding their sports betting offerings. The study examined the implementation of the identification, analysis and evaluation of risks to the integrity of the relevant matches at four providers. Based on this risk analysis, providers must identify and mitigate match-fixing risks.
Following reports to the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU), an investigation has been launched into a possible match-fixing. By examining the providers’ risk analyses, it will become clear whether providers have their analyses properly in place and are adequately assessing, assessing and ultimately mitigating the risks. While the KSA sees room for improvement in areas such as the specification of certain risks, the measures taken and the implementation of the reporting obligation, it is generally positive about the implementation of the providers’ risk analyses. This represents an upward trend compared to a year ago. The KSA continues to randomly audit risk analyses.
Source: kansspelautoriteit.nl
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Compliance Updates
EGBA Launches Pledge on Responsible Influencer Marketing
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) announced a new comprehensive pledge establishing standards for responsible influencer marketing across Europe’s gambling sector, reinforcing its commitment to promote best practices in responsible advertising and consumer protection throughout the EU.
The Pledge on Responsible Influencer Marketing in Online Gambling was developed in collaboration with the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) and is the first industry-wide set of influencer marketing standards in Europe’s gambling sector. It represents a significant step forward in addressing the fast-paced evolution of online marketing, particularly the growing use of influencers in the gambling industry.
Building on EGBA’s pioneering Code of Conduct on responsible advertising for online gambling (EGBA Code), the pledge sets out additional standards for all influencer marketing content produced on behalf of EGBA members.
A Comprehensive Framework for Responsible Influencer Marketing
The pledge establishes three core pillars designed to ensure the highest standards of consumer protection:
• Enhanced Advertising Standards: The pledge introduces rules and guidelines on enhanced transparency and age-gating mechanisms to prevent minors from accessing influencer marketing content for online gambling. It builds on the EGBA Code’s prohibition of gambling marketing content appealing to minors by introducing content moderation requirements and audience demographic checks.
• Influencer Selection Criteria: EGBA members commit to working exclusively with influencers who have been screened for responsible marketing conduct and who abide by all applicable advertising standards and legislation. EGBA members encourage the use of training programmes to ensure the influencers they work with remain on top of the latest regulatory and self-regulatory developments for advertising.
• Independent Monitoring and Compliance: EGBA members commit to regularly monitor their influencer marketing content by independent entities, and to promptly remove any content that is non-compliant with the pledge.
The pledge applies to all forms of influencer content, including live streams, stories, posts, videos and any digital content formats.
“As the online advertising landscape continues to evolve, we’re proud to lead the industry with the first comprehensive standards for influencer marketing in Europe’s gambling sector. This pledge demonstrates our members’ commitment to responsible advertising and willingness to go beyond regulatory requirements to ensure the highest standards of transparency and minor protection in their influencer partnerships,” said Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA.
EGBA members represent leading online gambling operators who are licensed and regulated within the EU. The association has been at the forefront of establishing responsible advertising standards across the industry, with the EGBA Code serving as the first pan-European framework for responsible advertising in Europe’s online gambling sector.
The new influencer marketing pledge will be implemented through EGBA members’ marketing practices, with active engagement with influencers to promote awareness of these enhanced standards.
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