Michigan Cracks Down: 33 Offshore Gambling Sites Ordered to Stop

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-09

Imagine you're a Michigan resident who's decided to take a break from gambling. You've signed up for the state's self-exclusion program, a smart move to protect yourself. But here's the thing: those offshore gambling sites you used to visit? They don't care about your self-exclusion. They're not bound by Michigan law, so they can keep targeting you. That's the problem the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is trying to fix. ### The Cease-and-Desist Letters In a bold move, the MGCB sent cease-and-desist letters to 33 offshore gambling operators. These operators were offering online casino games, sweepstakes-style products, and sports betting to Michigan residents without a state license. The MGCB says they're operating illegally. The letters demand that these sites stop offering their services to people in Michigan immediately. Why does this matter? For one, unlicensed operators don't have to follow Michigan's rules. That means they can ignore responsible gambling measures like self-exclusion. They also don't pay taxes, and they might not have fair gaming practices. So the MGCB is stepping in to protect residents. ### The Self-Exclusion Loophole The MGCB also warned about a significant loophole: people enrolled in Michigan's self-exclusion program are still vulnerable on offshore sites. The state's Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database is supposed to help problem gamblers by blocking them from licensed sites. But offshore operators don't have to honor that database. So if you're on that list, you can still sign up and play on those offshore sites. As the MGCB put it, “Choosing to self-exclude is one of the hardest and most courageous decisions a person can make.” It's a step toward recovery, and it should be respected. But offshore sites undermine that effort. ### What This Means for You If you're a Michigan resident who gambles online, here's what you need to know: - **Check if your site is licensed.** Only play on sites approved by the MGCB. You can find a list on their website. - **Self-exclusion only works on licensed sites.** If you're on the self-exclusion list, don't assume you're protected everywhere. Offshore sites can still let you play. - **Report suspicious sites.** If you see an offshore site targeting Michigan residents, you can report it to the MGCB. - **Seek help if needed.** If you're struggling with gambling, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117. ### The Bigger Picture This isn't just a Michigan issue. Across the U.S., states are grappling with offshore gambling operators. These sites often operate from outside the country, making them hard to regulate. The MGCB's action is part of a larger effort to crack down on illegal online gambling. For now, the MGCB is hoping these cease-and-desist letters will scare off some operators. But if they don't comply, the state could take further legal action. The goal is to make sure that Michigan residents are protected, whether they're gambling for fun or trying to quit. So if you're in Michigan and you gamble online, stay informed. Know which sites are legal, and know the risks of offshore operators. Your safety and well-being are worth it.