Michigan Regulator Orders BetUS to Cease Illegal Operations Targeting State Residents
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken action against BetUS by issuing a cease-and-desist order, demanding that the online gambling operator immediately stop accepting wagers from Michigan residents. The order provides a 14-day window for BetUS to comply, after which further legal measures could be pursued. This move follows investigations by the MGCB that uncovered BetUS was taking bets from players within the state on various gambling activities, including sports betting and casino games, despite lacking the necessary authorization from Michigan authorities.
It has been confirmed that BetUS is licensed only in the Comoros Union—specifically Mwali—and does not hold the appropriate licensing to operate within Michigan. This situation breaches several state laws, including the Michigan Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance, stating, “Unlicensed operators like BetUS undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming market and expose consumers to potential risks.” He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding residents by ensuring all gambling activities are conducted legally and responsibly.
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The order not only requires BetUS to cease all operations targeting Michigan residents but also involves coordination with the Michigan Department of Attorney General to enforce compliance. The MGCB’s move underscores the ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal gambling operations within the state. Additionally, the agency previously expressed concerns to the Commodity and Futures Trading Commission on April 29 regarding BetUS’s offering of sports event contracts in Michigan.
The investigation into BetUS’s activities began on April 11, when the MGCB launched inquiries into unlicensed sports prediction markets operating across Michigan. These markets are believed to bypass the state’s regulatory framework, raising significant concerns over consumer protection and the integrity of legal sports betting. Michigan’s actions are part of a broader pattern, as other states such as Nevada, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Ohio have also taken steps against unlicensed gambling services that threaten the stability and fairness of their respective markets.
