The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has been an early crusader of putting unlicensed sportsbooks on notice that soliciting gambling business in the Wolverine state will not be tolerated. In the latest round of cease-and-desist letters, Papaya Gaming, Ace23, and Ace Per Head were all served and warned to leave the Michigan market.
Time to Go
The MGCB has previously sent cease and desist letters to PredictionStrike, Stake.us, VGW, sweepstakes company OC Media Holdings, and most notably, Harp Media, the parent company of sports betting giant Bovada. Michigan’s mobile gaming regulators have been one of the most proactive in rooting out unlicensed offshore operators. The most recent round of warning shots brings the number to seven unlicensed entities the board has put on notice.
“The MGCB remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding Michigan’s laws and regulations and will continue to actively monitor and enforce compliance within the state to ensure a fair and secure gaming environment for all,” Williams said.
Israeli-based Papaya Gaming has been offering Michigan residents its online gambling collection consisting of games like “21 Cash,” “Bingo Cash,” “Bubble Cash,” and “Solitaire Cash,” which are all real money gambling apps.
Papaya Gaming is unlicensed in Michigan, as is Ace23 and its sister app, Ace Per Head, a management tool used by local bookies, both of which are based in Costa Rica but also unlicensed in Michigan.
“Illegal gambling is not tolerated in Michigan, and we will take all necessary actions to protect our residents from such unlawful practices”, said Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, said in a press release.
In response to the letter, Papaya Gaming sent out its own press release, which said: “Papaya complies with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates. We look forward to addressing the matter in due course with the Michigan Gaming Control Board. We are confident that Papaya will continue to present lawfully in Michigan.”
Bovada Complies
Bovada has terminated its operations in Michigan and several other states that sent cease-and-desist letters to one of the world’s most popular offshore sportsbooks. Shortly after shutting down in the Wolverine State, the company’s website had a message for U.S. customers in its FAQ section that read:
“Bovada remains open to United States residents, except for those living in Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, and Colorado. Should you reside in a restricted state and still retain an account balance, please contact Customer Service for more information or to arrange a cryptocurrency withdrawal.”
MGCB Public Information Officer Lisa Keith was pleased to learn that Bovada heeded the MGCB’s warning and wrote in an email: “While this is a good indication that they are taking our cease-and-desist letter seriously, we will continue to closely monitor the status of their offerings in Michigan and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.”
Calculators
