Michigan Court Order Forces Six Unlicensed Sweeps Sites Out

It’s official: another six unlicensed sweepstakes casinos are now out of Michigan. The exit came after the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued a cease-and-desist order to six sweepstakes casino operators for operating without a valid Michigan license, violating the state’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, and provisions of the penal code. 

The order named Bonus Blitz, DomGame, Royal Ace, Slots Capital, Supernova, and Wins Mania as respondents. Like other previously investigated sites, these platforms are now inaccessible and blocked by geofencing.

MGCB Pulls the Plug on Six Sweeps Sites, Now Inaccessible

After months of thorough investigation by MGCB, these sweepstakes sites are found to operate without proper state licensing, targeting Michigan residents. In a June 2nd post of the state’s Gaming Control Board, the six sweepstakes sites have violated the state laws by offering casino-style games without proper authorization. A cease-and-desist order has been issued, detailing the operator’s violations.

The agency requires operators to block access from Michigan IP addresses and cease all marketing targeting Michigan residents. Non-compliance could lead to civil penalties or criminal charges.

Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director, noted, “these sites were operating outside the law and putting Michigan players at risk.” He added that MGCB’s job is to ensure a fair, legal, and secure gaming environment, giving unlicensed operators no place here in the state. 

Strict State Laws Governing Michigan’s Gambling Industry

Under the Michigan laws, as stated in the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, and key provisions of the Michigan Penal Code, only those licensed sweepstakes casino operators can provide online gambling services within the state. This ensures strong industry compliance and player protection. 

Just like traditional online casinos, sweepstakes-style sites are also subject to compliance with state licensing requirements. Whether it involves chance or real monetary value, it’s still considered gambling under the law. Failure to comply will lead to cease-and-desist orders or, worse, closures.

MGCB Continues its Campaign on Players’ Protection

The MGCB warns Michigan players of unlicensed sweepstakes casinos’ potential serious risks, including: 

• Lack of player protection. Players have no legal protection or means to recover their winnings if payouts are withheld.
• Unfair or rigged games. Games offered may not undergo independent audits, which may raise concerns about fairness or results manipulation.
• Data privacy risks. Players’ personal and financial details could be exposed, misused, or stolen due to weak data security measures.

Williams added that these operators are not subject to Michigan’s strict regulatory oversight, emphasizing the risk of losing money, data, and the chance of fair play. 
To avoid these potential risks, the MGCB urges Michigan residents to verify the platform's licensing status before joining, providing a list of authorized operators available on the MGCB’s official website. 

Continuing Aggressive Enforcement Efforts

As part of MGCB’s broader campaign to eliminate illegal casino operators, the agency has pledged to sustain its aggressive enforcement strategy. 

Earlier this year, the agency issued cease-and-desist orders to 19 additional unlicensed online casinos, such as Kudos Casino, BSpin Casino, and Slots of Vegas. MGCB also employs geofencing technology to track and block unauthorized operators attempting to offer services to Michigan residents.

REFERENCES 

• Michigan Gaming Control Board