- Michigan gaming regulators have issued a cease-and-desist notice to MyBookie.ag
- It’s the latest cease-and-desist notice from the Michigan Gaming Control Board to an illegal gaming operator
- Will other states follow suit and begin cracking down on MyBookie.ag?
Michigan gaming regulators have taken aim at a new illegal gaming operator in the Wolverine State.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued a cease-and-desist notice to Duranbah Limited N.V., the operator of MyBookie.ag, based in Curaçao. The offshore gaming company offers a variety of casino-style games to its users, including pokers, slots, and live-dealer games, as well as sports and horse betting.
The company is not issued as a gaming operator in the state.
Protecting Michigan Citizens
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams noted that the agency is dedicated to safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with Michigan gaming law.
“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws,” he said in a release. “We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming.”
The MGCB has ordered MyBookie.ag to shut down operations in the state within 14 days of receipt of the cease-and-desist notice. If it does not, the MGCB will collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for further legal actions.
The illegally operating gaming company offers users numerous deposit options, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and MoneyGram. However, to withdrawn from an account a user must do so via Bitcoin or bank wire transfer.
The MGCB’s investigation revealed that the company’s operation in the state without a valid Michigan gambling licenses breaches the follow state laws:
- Lawful Internet Gaming Act
- Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act
- Michigan Penal Code
Will Other States Follow Suit?
Michigan was one of the first to issue a cease-and-desist notice to Bovada, a similar Curaçao based gaming company. At least 17 other states have followed suit, issuing their own cease-desist-notices to the unregulated, offshore gaming company.
Most recently, Bovada placed New Hampshire on its list of restricted states. Bovada has been cooperative with state regulators, blocking access of its services for users residing in states that have sent the company notices.
However, it remains to be seen if MyBookie.ag will follow suit. Will the company put up a fight against states that deliver such notices, or will they acquiesce and shut down operations if asked?
If they do follow suit and cease operations in Michigan, it’s very likely that other gaming commissions will see the success of the MGCB and submit their own cease-and-desist notices soon thereafter.
Michigan regulators have recently ordered online sports betting operator MyBookie to cease operations in the state. The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a cease and desist order against the popular sportsbook, citing violations of state gambling laws.
MyBookie, which is based in Costa Rica, has been offering online sports betting services to Michigan residents without proper licensing or authorization. The company has been operating in the state without approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, which is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state.
The cease and desist order requires MyBookie to immediately stop accepting bets from Michigan residents and to cease all operations within the state. Failure to comply with the order could result in further legal action and penalties.
This move by Michigan regulators is part of a broader crackdown on illegal online gambling operators in the state. The Michigan Gaming Control Board has been working to enforce strict regulations on online sports betting to protect consumers and ensure fair play.
Michigan residents who have accounts with MyBookie are advised to withdraw any funds they have deposited with the sportsbook and to cease placing bets with the operator. It is important for consumers to only engage in online sports betting with licensed and regulated operators to ensure their safety and security.
Overall, this action by Michigan regulators sends a clear message that illegal online gambling operators will not be tolerated in the state. By enforcing strict regulations and cracking down on illegal operators, the Michigan Gaming Control Board is working to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the online sports betting industry.
