The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is once again pursuing an offshore offender, continuing a busy stretch for one of the United States' most vigilant state legislatures.
Key Takeaways
- The MGCB has issued a cease-and-desist order to BetUS, a Costa Rica-based gambling site, demanding it halt all operations in Michigan within 14 days.
- BetUS is accused of violating multiple Michigan gaming laws by operating without a state license.
- The action is part of an ongoing crackdown by the MGCB, which continues to serve as a leader across the United States in offshore gambling control and enforcement.
The MGCB issued a cease-and-desist order to BetUS, a Costa Rica-based platform that includes live betting, mobile access, and cryptocurrency.
“Unlicensed operators like BetUS undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming market and expose consumers to potential risks,” said Henry Williams, MGCB executive director. “The MGCB is committed to protecting Michigan residents by ensuring that all gambling activities are conducted legally and responsibly.”
The cease-and-desist will require BetUS to immediately halt all Michigan sports betting operations within 14 days or could be subject to face further legal action.
Per the MGCB, BetUS is one of the longest-standing online gambling platforms, and claims to serve more than a million clients globally, though is only licensed in the Comoros Union, on the small island of Mwali just off the west coast of Madagascar.
The violations are said to include accepting wagers from Michigan residents on sports and casino-style games with a lack of state authorization, in contradiction to the Michigan Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
MGCB continues strong enforcement
This is just the latest in a long line of recent efforts by the state of Michigan to control and cull activities on illegal offshore betting sites.
Just last month, a similar release saw the MGCB announce cease-and-desist orders against a pair of Panamanian operators – Sportsbetting.ag and BetOnline.ag, who were both operating within the region illegally.
That followed an enormous effort that targeted a staggering 11 illegal casino sites, representing a total of almost 40 companies across 2025 alone to face consequences at the hands of the MGCB.
Michigan has also begun efforts to investigate prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which Williams says are of major concern to Michigan residents.
“Unlicensed entities not only pose a risk to consumers but also undercut the integrity and revenue-generating potential of the state’s regulated sports betting industry,” he said. “We are actively investigating these practices and will pursue appropriate measures to protect Michigan bettors.”
Perhaps Michigan’s most prominent case was back in 2024 when the popular betting site Bovada was forced to shutter in much of the United States after Michigan took steps to begin litigation against the major betting operator.
