WILLEMSTAD – The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed online gambling operators, issuing cease and desist letters to five illegal sites, including several based in Curaçao. Among the sites targeted are BetWhale Casino, Coins Game Casino, and Love2play Casino, all of which are registered in Curaçao.
This latest action brings the total number of cease and desist letters issued by the MGCB to 16 this year alone. The regulator has raised concerns over the illegal operators’ failure to adhere to Michigan’s strict gaming regulations, jeopardizing consumer safety and legal compliance.
Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, emphasized that these platforms not only violate Michigan's gaming laws but also put players at risk. "These illegal platforms offer unreliable withdrawal options and lack the essential consumer protections that Michigan’s regulated market provides," he said. "Our top priority is safeguarding Michigan residents by ensuring all online gaming activities are conducted legally and safely. These operators must cease their activities or face additional legal consequences."
The regulatory action comes amid Michigan’s growing online gaming and sports betting market, which recently reached a record $331.2 million in revenue for January 2025. The state’s iGaming revenue rose 36% to $248.2 million, while online betting gross revenue increased by 74% year-over-year to $83 million.
For Curaçao, this marks another instance of its online gambling operators being under scrutiny for operating in markets where they lack appropriate licenses. The island has long been a hub for online gaming sites, attracting operators due to its relatively relaxed regulatory environment. However, increasing international pressure, particularly from jurisdictions like Michigan, is forcing operators based in Curaçao to reevaluate their practices.
As the MGCB continues to target unlicensed online gambling sites, the issue raises broader concerns about the role of Curaçao’s gaming licenses in the global market. Although the island remains a popular base for many online gambling companies, these recent actions highlight the growing global call for stricter regulations and more consumer protection in the online gaming sector.
