- The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent cease-and-desist letters to two illegal gaming operations
- The board sent notices to Ace 23 and Ace Per Head, both located in Costa Rica
- Ace Per Head manages Ace 23 and purports to be part of the Ace Gaming Network
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has had a busy week, as the board has issued two cease-and-desist notices to Ace23 and Ace Per Head.
Ace23, which is managed by Ace Per Head, is an illegally operated sportsbook and casino service provider that caters to agents and bookies, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
Ace23 purports to be part of the Ace Gaming Network, which claims to be licensed for business in Canada and Costa Rica. The network is not licensed in Michigan.
Direct Violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Act
According to the MGCB, Ace 23 operates in direct violation of the state’s Lawful Internet Act. The website enable account holders, considered “agents,” to establish bookmaking operations using different designs and webpages. These agents can then accept wagers and make payouts to users. Ace 23 organizes the setup and administration of the operation and charges the “agents” $10 per active player per week.
The website also offers casino-style games, but does not take any bets or make any payouts, as those are handled between the “agents” and users. The per customer fees are charged through cryptocurrencies or approved retailer gift cards.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to safeguarding the integrity of legal gaming in the state and protecting consumers from illicit offshore operations like Ace23,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Our regulatory efforts are focused on promoting responsible gaming practices and upholding the laws that govern the industry. To that end, we ask all Michigan residents to stay informed and stay safe by reporting any suspected illegal gambling activities to the agency because we take every tip very seriously.”
Ace23 and Ace Per Head both have 14 days to cease business in the state.
Busy Week for MGCB
The new cease-and-desist notices were sent out a day after the MGCB announced it had sent a cease-and-desist letter to Papaya Gaming for what it claims is illegal gambling activities in the state.
The MGCB issued the letter to Papaya Gaming, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, after an investigation into the company. The agency received an anonymous tip on the company’s services, which led to the evaluation.
According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s investigation, Papaya Gaming “is operating illegal gambling” by offering mobile apps to players to buy-in and win real money through gameplay. These games include 21 Cash, Bingo Cash, Bubble Cash, and Solitaire Cash.
Papaya Gaming also has 14 days to cease operations in the state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) recently took action against an illegal sports betting operator operating within the state. The operator, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found to be offering sports betting services without the proper licensing and regulatory oversight required by law.
The MGCB, which is responsible for regulating all forms of gaming in the state of Michigan, launched an investigation into the illegal operator after receiving multiple complaints from consumers. The investigation revealed that the operator was accepting bets on sporting events without the necessary authorization from the state.
In response to these findings, the MGCB issued a cease and desist order against the operator, requiring them to immediately stop all illegal sports betting activities within the state. The board also imposed fines on the operator for violating state gaming laws and regulations.
Illegal sports betting poses a significant risk to consumers, as it lacks the necessary safeguards and protections that licensed operators are required to provide. Without proper oversight, consumers are at risk of being defrauded or experiencing other negative consequences.
The MGCB is urging consumers to only place bets with licensed and regulated sports betting operators in order to ensure their safety and security. By choosing to wager with licensed operators, consumers can have confidence that their bets are being handled in a fair and transparent manner.
In addition to taking action against illegal operators, the MGCB is also working to educate consumers about the risks associated with illegal sports betting. The board is encouraging consumers to report any suspicious or illegal betting activities to help protect themselves and others from falling victim to fraud.
Overall, the actions taken by the Michigan Gaming Control Board against this illegal sports betting operator serve as a reminder of the importance of following state gaming laws and regulations. By working together to combat illegal gambling activities, regulators and consumers can help create a safer and more secure gaming environment for all.
