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.
The post MGCB cracks down on 13 illegal offshore gambling websites targeting state residents appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The Swedish Gambling Authority has reviewed how licensees comply with the requirements for information that must be available in bingo halls.
In its review, the Swedish Gambling Authority has checked whether the licensee complies with the information responsibility in bingo halls. Among other things, the licensee’s contact details and gaming responsibility information must be easily accessible.
The Swedish regulator has found information deficiencies in two bingo halls: Idrottens Bingo in Linköping and Bingoringen in Karlskoga. The Spelinspektionen has also alerted the Swedish Bingo Association regarding the information deficiencies at these two bingo venues.
The post The Swedish Bingo Association Receives a Reprimand for Lack of Information in Bingo Halls appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has allocated funding to five new strategic projects dedicated to preventing and reducing gambling-related harm.
Gambling harm can have major consequences for the individuals themselves, their environment and society as a whole. Research shows that 20% of Dutch people who gamble are at moderate or high risk of gambling addiction. By focusing on prevention, early detection and support, problems can be prevented from developing into serious debt, addiction or mental health issues. The projects are being carried out by the Anonymous Gamblers Foundation and the Gamblers’ Environment Foundation, the Dutch Association for Psychiatry, the Trimbos Institute and the Naast Foundation.
With a grant from the Addiction Prevention Fund, the Anonymous Gamblers and Gamblers’ Environment (AGOG) foundation can train new group facilitators and invest in professional development. In addition, AGOG is exploring the possibilities for digital peer support meetings. This could offer a solution in regions where there are no physical AGOG groups yet, or for people who are unable to attend meetings on location.
The Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) is receiving funding from the Addiction Prevention Fund for the development of a guideline for the treatment of gambling and gaming addiction. NVvP guidelines contain recommendations for the medical practice of healthcare professionals. This new guideline follows up on one of the recommendations of the National Rapporteur on Addictions (NRV) from the report “Gambling with Health”.
The Trimbos Institute has launched two pilots exploring the theme of gambling, also funded by the Addiction Prevention Fund. The Growing Up in a Promising Environment (OKO) programme is exploring whether it can contribute to preventing gambling behavior among young people. To this end, a literature review is being conducted, monitoring data analysed, appropriate interventions sought and discussions held with municipalities and local partners. Additionally, within the alcohol, drug and medication policy, it is being explored how employers can prevent gambling behavior in the workplace and how they can better refer employees with emerging problems to help.
Stichting Naast receives a subsidy to provide webinars, individual counseling, and newsletters for loved ones of people with a gambling addiction. On helpmijndierbareisverslaafd.nl, they publish additional information about gambling-related harm. This aligns with the OpenOverGokken.nl platformme. The goal is to effectively connect the information and helplines of Stichting Naast and OpenOverGokken, ensuring clear referrals between them. This creates a recognisable pathway for loved ones seeking help, advice or a listening ear.
Through the funding of these projects, the KSA, together with partners, focuses on early detection, prevention, improved care and support for gamblers and their loved ones. In doing so, work is being done simultaneously on multiple fronts to prevent gambling harm and limit its consequences. The resources for the aforementioned projects come from the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF). Managed by the KSA since 2021, this fund is financed via an additional gambling levy for providers of high-risk gambling.
The post KSA Funds Five New Gambling Harm Prevention Projects appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona Department of Gaming
Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training
The Arizona Department of Gaming has announced the release of its Responsible Gaming Training initiative, consisting of free, self-paced training in responsible gaming foundations. Training participants will learn the fundamentals of risks associated with gambling, including problem gambling, how problem gambling differs from positive play, and how to connect with others in the context of addressing problem gambling.
“Offering this responsible gaming training is about increasing knowledge, confidence, and skills that make a tremendous difference in improving the conversations and interactions we may encounter day-to-day. I’m excited to share information and resources about responsible gaming that promote a safer, more sustainable gaming environment – and I look forward to briefing community members on how to make this training work for them,” said Jessica Roza, Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs.
To provide members of the media, stakeholders, and Arizonans the opportunity to become familiar with the newly released training resource, the Department invites all interested individuals to a live, virtual webinar on April 28, 2026, at 10am Arizona Time, hosted by Jessica Roza.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. It emphasizes safety and prevention by sharing the risks associated with gambling, encouraging healthy play behaviors, and raising awareness of the treatment resources and support available for gambling disorder, which impacts three to four percent of Arizonans 21 and older. Gambling can take many forms, such as lottery, casino gaming, sports betting, bingo, raffles, office pools, and poker.
The training is organized into three self-paced phases, with optional continued learning quizzes at the end of each phase and a total of about three hours of content (depending on the trainee). Students may pause the training at any point and resume it later.
“For many years, responsible gaming training has served as a cornerstone of education for gaming industry employees, strengthening safety and promoting responsible entertainment across the state. Today, we’re excited to expand that impact by offering an on-demand training designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of responsible gaming—including those who may not currently participate in gambling, or work in the industry. This broader approach reflects our commitment to the Arizonans we serve,” Jessica Roza added.
The April 28 virtual briefing will preview the training resource, allow for audience question-and-answer, and conclude with actionable next steps for individuals to further the health and safety of their community.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
appointments7 days agoGolden Whale names Jaime Ocampo Managing Director, Asia
-
Affiliate Industry6 days ago
Alberta’s Next Step into a Regulated Commercial Gambling Market: What it Means for Operators and Affiliates
-
Africa7 days ago
BC.GAME launches Nigeria site after securing Lagos betting and casino licence
-
Africa6 days ago
Playson goes live with Betika in Kenya and Uganda
-
Central Europe6 days ago
ZEAL launches Dream Car Raffle charity lottery in Germany
-
Africa7 days ago
GoldenRace and Spinmatic mark five years with aggregation partner Playlogiq
-
game release7 days ago
Spinomenal launches 3 Fortune Mummies Hold & Hit slot
-
Baungartner6 days agoCómo Brasil está estructurando un nuevo modelo de integridad y juego responsable
