The Michigan Gaming Control Board on Thursday issued a cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited N.V., the operator of MyBookie.ag in Curaçao.
The site offers a variety of casino-style games, including slots, poker and live-dealer games like blackjack, roulette and craps. It also allows users to place bets on sporting events and horse races.
“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement. “We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming.”
According to the MGCB, MyBookie.ag offers numerous payment methods for deposits and the funding of players’ accounts, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, various cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin) and MoneyGram. Withdrawals can only be made via Bitcoin or bank wire transfer.
The MGCB’s investigation revealed that MyBookie.ag’s operation of online casino-style games for paying customers, without a valid Michigan gambling license, breaches several state laws, including:
- Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Igaming is only permitted by licensed operators. Only casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and federally authorized tribal casinos within Michigan may apply for such a license.
- Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating a gambling business without an MGCB-issued license is a felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000 or both.
- Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves consideration, prize and chance, is broadly banned. Accepting money or anything of value with the understanding that it will be paid based on the outcome of an uncertain event is illegal.
Duranbah Limited N.V. has 14 days from receipt of the letter to cease offering gambling services to Michigan residents, as required by the cease-and-desist letter. If the company fails to comply, the MGCB is prepared to collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office on legal action.
