The Michigan Gaming Control Board has sent out a total of four C&D orders to offshore illegal gaming operators online, namely Bet Pop Casino, You Wager, Discount Wager, and Wager 7. These casino platforms are said to be violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of Michigan along with the Michigan Penal Code and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

In a decisive move to protect Michigan residents and uphold state gaming laws, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has issued cease-and-desist orders to four offshore gambling operators found to be offering unlicensed online betting services in the state. The targeted platforms include Wager 7, You Wager, Discount Wager, and Bet Pop Casino.

These actions are part of an ongoing effort by the MGCB to enforce Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. Each of the operators has been ordered to cease all gambling-related activities in the state immediately or face further legal consequences.

Offshore platforms operating illegally

According to the MGCB, these four platforms were unlawfully accepting bets from Michigan players without obtaining the required state licenses. As unregulated entities, they lack critical consumer protections, including responsible gaming programs, secure financial systems, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

"These illegal gambling operations prey on vulnerable consumers and undermine the integrity of the regulated gaming industry," said the Executive Director of the MGCB, Henry Williams. "Michigan residents deserve the protections that come with licensed, legal gaming. We will continue to take strong action against those who skirt the law."

You Wager: high-stakes betting without state approval

You Wager, an online sportsbook established in 1998 and based in Costa Rica, has been accepting players from across the US, including Michigan. The site is well-known among high-stakes gamblers, offering extensive betting options on everything from NFL and MMA to international soccer and esports. With NFL spread betting limits reaching up to $10,000, You Wager has built a sizable following - but none of it is authorized under Michigan law.

Bet Pop Casino: an unlicensed gaming hub

Bet Pop Casino, launched in 2019 and owned by First Fidelity Company, operates a full-scale online casino offering slots, blackjack, video poker, roulette, baccarat, and poker. Despite its wide variety of games, the platform has not secured a Michigan gaming license and is therefore in direct violation of state gaming laws.

Wager 7: a multi-platform offender

Wager 7 not only provides a comprehensive sportsbook covering college football, horse racing, and auto racing, but it also runs an online casino with poker, pai gow, craps, and other table games. The site has promoted features such as 'same-day payouts' and a referral bonus program - marketing tactics that may attract players but do not meet Michigan's regulatory standards.

Discount Wager: lacking transparency and oversight

The most recent of the four, Discount Wager, was established in 2020 and is also owned by First Fidelity Company. The platform operates without well-defined terms and conditions and provides none of the consumer safeguards mandated by the MGCB. Its lack of transparency and official oversight further elevates the risks to players.

Legal and consumer implications

The MGCB's investigation determined that all four platforms were violating multiple Michigan laws by offering unauthorized gambling services. Consumers who use such sites are exposed to higher risks, including financial fraud, lack of data security, and no recourse in disputes or payout issues.

Each operator has been given 14 days to comply with the cease-and-desist orders. If they fail to do so, the MGCB, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, will pursue additional enforcement actions.

To protect the integrity of Michigan's legal gambling industry and ensure public safety, the MGCB is asking the public to stay vigilant. Michigan residents who encounter suspicious or illegal gambling activity are encouraged to report it by contacting 1-888-314-2682 or sending an email to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.