Updated: September 25, 2025
Michigan's Gaming Control Board is cracking down on illegal online gambling activities within the state. Recently, the board issued cease-and-desist orders to two Panama-based operators, SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag, for operating without the necessary licenses. These actions stem from an anonymous tip that triggered an investigation into the unauthorized operations of these online gambling platforms.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board is taking a firm stance against these unlicensed gambling entities to uphold the state's gaming laws and protect consumers. Henry Williams, the Board Executive Director, emphasized the importance of residents engaging only with licensed and regulated online gambling platforms for a safe and fair gaming experience. The issued orders require SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag to halt all operations in Michigan within 14 days, failing which further legal measures will be pursued.
SportsBetting.ag was found conducting a range of illegal betting activities, including sports betting, horse races, politics, table games, card games, and virtual casino games. Additionally, the platform was offering cash-back incentives for losses incurred during casino gameplay. On the other hand, BetOnline.ag was discovered to be engaging in unauthorized sports betting, live events, casino-style gaming, horse racing, esports, and other tournament betting options.
Moreover, the Michigan Gaming Control Board also uncovered a case involving Jeffrey Saco, a Southfield man, who pleaded guilty to illicit gambling activities related to his mobile betting account with Caesars Entertainment. Saco exploited a system vulnerability to make fake deposits amounting to over $2 million into his account. He proceeded to place nearly 10,000 bets, totaling more than $88 million, and transferred significant sums to his personal account.
As a consequence, Jeffrey Saco was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with the sentence being held in suspension pending the completion of three years of probation. To rectify his wrongdoings, Saco is required to make monthly restitution payments of $2,500 over the period to Caesars Entertainment. Additionally, as part of his sentencing, he must attend Gamblers Anonymous, underscoring the severity of his illegal gambling activities.
These recent developments underscore the Michigan Gaming Control Board's commitment to upholding the integrity of the state's gambling laws and safeguarding consumers from unlicensed and potentially harmful gambling practices. The enforcement actions against SportsBetting.ag, BetOnline.ag, and individuals like Jeffrey Saco signal a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal gambling activities within the state.
The efforts to shut down unlicensed online gambling operations are part of a broader initiative to promote responsible and legal gambling practices in Michigan. By ensuring that all gambling platforms are licensed and regulated, the state aims to create a safe and fair gaming environment for its residents. The actions taken against SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline.ag serve as a warning to other unauthorized operators and emphasize the consequences of flouting gaming regulations.
Henry Williams, the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, reiterated the importance of compliance with state gambling laws and urged residents to seek entertainment only from licensed and reputable online gambling platforms. The board remains vigilant in its efforts to detect and eliminate illegal gambling activities that pose risks to consumers and the integrity of the state's gaming industry.
