Michigan Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist letters to two offshore casinos

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to two offshore casinos, Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino, for conducting illegal gambling activities in the state.

An investigation by the MGCB found the online casinos, located in Curacao, offered slots, table games and video poker to players in Michigan, allegedly violating the state’s gaming laws.

In a press release on the MGCB website, Executive Director Henry Williams made it clear that any illegal operations will be dealt with in the strongest possible terms.

He said: “The Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to make it clear that any operator found to be operating unlawfully will face appropriate consequences.

“This agency has zero tolerance for illegal gambling. We will continue to exercise our regulatory oversight and authority to protect the interests of Michigan citizens and licensed operators and ensure that all online gambling activities available here are compliant with the law.”

According to the MGCB, both Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palmer Casino have been found to violate three Michigan gaming laws.

Firstly, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act specifies that internet gaming in Michigan can only be offered by licensed operators. This means that unlicensed casinos such as Lucky Tiger and Rich Palmer do not comply with the act.

The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act also prohibits any party from conducting gambling operations without a license, with penalties including up to ten years in prison and up to a $100,000 (~£76,000) fine.

Lastly, the Michigan Penal Code prohibits any form of unauthorised gambling whatsoever.

Both Lucky Tiger and Rich Palmer have been given 14 days from the date of the cease-and-desist letter to halt activities, before the MGCB seeks to take further legal action.