(The Center Square) – Michigan’s Gaming Control Board is trying to stop two overseas online gambling operations from operating within the state.
The board issued cease-and-desist orders to Panama-based operators SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag. It says the two companies do not have licenses to operate in Michigan.
The board said an anonymous tip led to an investigation of the two organizations. The order says both platforms have 14 days to cease all operations in Michigan. The board promised to take more legal action if both refuse to comply.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to enforcing Michigan’s gaming laws and protecting consumers from illegal gambling,” Board Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement. “We encourage residents to only engage with licensed and regulated online platforms for a safe and fair gaming experience.”
The board says SportsBetting.ag has been illegally taking bets on sports, horse races, politics, table games, card games, and virtual casino games. It also says the platform has also offered cash-back incentives for casino losses.
The allegations against BetOnline.ag include illegal betting options, including sports betting, live events, casino-style gaming, horse racing, esports and other tournaments.
The board also recently announced Jeffrey Saco, a 38-year-old Southfield man, pleaded guilty to illegal gambling activities involving his mobile betting account with Caesars Entertainment.
Saco admitted to using a vulnerability in the system to make more than $2 million in fake deposits in his account and placed nearly 10,000 bets for more than $88 million. He also transferred more than $500,000 to his personal account.
Saco was sentenced to 90 days in jail, which is on hold and will be suspended if he completes three years probation and makes $2,500 restitution payments a month for the three years to Caesars.
He also has to attend Gamblers Anonymous.
