In a bold move by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the regulator has announced its intention to shut down the offshore online gambling operator BitcoinGames.com in the state. This decision comes as part of the MGCB’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal online gambling activities in Michigan.
BitcoinGames.com, which is based in the Caribbean, has been operating in the United States for several years, offering a wide range of gambling services to players across the country. However, the operator has long been a source of controversy due to its lack of proper licensing and regulation in the states where it operates.
The MGCB has issued a cease and desist order to BitcoinGames.com, instructing the operator to stop accepting bets from Michigan residents immediately. The regulator has warned that any violation of this order could result in severe penalties, including fines and potentially even criminal charges.
In a statement, the MGCB emphasized the importance of ensuring that all online gambling operators in Michigan comply with state regulations. “We are committed to protecting consumers and ensuring the integrity of online gambling in the state,” said Richard S. Kalm, executive director of the MGCB. “Operators like BitcoinGames.com who flout our laws and regulations will not be tolerated.”
The move to shut down BitcoinGames.com in Michigan is part of a broader crackdown on illegal online gambling activities in the state. The MGCB has already taken action against several other offshore operators in recent months, including BetOnline and MyBookie.
In response to the MGCB’s announcement, BitcoinGames.com has maintained that it is not subject to Michigan’s jurisdiction and has vowed to continue operating in the state. The operator has also argued that its services are legal under international law and that it takes steps to ensure that its operations are fair and transparent.
Despite BitcoinGames.com’s protestations, legal experts believe that the MGCB is well within its rights to shut down the operator in Michigan. The regulator has the authority to enforce state laws and regulations governing online gambling, and it has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take action against operators who fail to comply.
As the legal battle between the MGCB and BitcoinGames.com continues to unfold, Michigan residents are advised to exercise caution when engaging in online gambling activities. The regulator has warned that players who continue to use BitcoinGames.com’s services could be at risk of losing their money and facing legal consequences.
The MGCB’s decision to shut down BitcoinGames.com in Michigan sends a clear message to offshore operators that illegal online gambling activities will not be tolerated in the state. With the regulator’s crackdown on illegal operators gaining momentum, it is likely that other offshore operators will soon find themselves in the crosshairs of the MGCB as well.
