Updated: September 11, 2025
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has recently issued a cease-and-desist order to BetUS, an offshore gambling site based in Costa Rica. This action comes as part of the ongoing efforts by the Michigan authorities to combat unauthorized online gambling activities within the state. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has been actively cracking down on illegal offshore betting sites, with BetUS being the latest target facing legal action.
BetUS, a popular online gambling platform that offers services such as live betting, mobile access, and transactions in cryptocurrency, has been accused of violating multiple Michigan gaming laws by operating without a valid state license. The cease-and-desist order requires BetUS to cease all of its sports betting operations in Michigan within 14 days or risk facing further legal consequences.
According to Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB, unlicensed operators like BetUS pose a threat to the integrity of Michigan's regulated gaming market and expose consumers to potential risks. The MGCB is committed to protecting Michigan residents by ensuring that all gambling activities are conducted legally and responsibly.
One of the key violations by BetUS is accepting wagers from Michigan residents on sports and casino-style games without the necessary state authorization, which goes against the Michigan Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
Michigan has been actively pursuing efforts to control and eliminate illegal offshore betting sites. In addition to the action against BetUS, the MGCB had recently issued cease-and-desist orders against Panamanian operators – Sportsbetting.ag and BetOnline.ag – for operating in the region illegally. The authorities have also targeted 11 illegal casino sites, representing nearly 40 companies in the year 2025 alone.
Ongoing investigations by Michigan authorities also include prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which are deemed concerning due to potential risks they might pose to Michigan residents. Williams highlighted the importance of addressing unlicensed entities that not only endanger consumers but also undermine the integrity and revenue potential of the state's regulated sports betting industry.
Michigan's actions against illegal gambling operators are not new. In 2024, the state took legal steps that led to the closure of the popular betting site Bovada in various parts of the United States. The actions by the Michigan Gaming Control Board indicate a strong commitment to enforcing state laws and regulations to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the gaming industry.
