Michigan Gaming Control Board

Henry Williams has become executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board following a 34-1 roll call confirmation vote in the Michigan Senate.

Williams, who has 20 years of experience working at the MGCB and most recently was deputy director for the agency’s casino operations division, was confirmed to a to a six year term, which began on Monday 17 May, by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“I am honoured to begin my appointment as executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board,” said Williams. “I look forward to leading the agency’s continuing success and thank outgoing executive director Richard Kalm for his leadership and the opportunities he provided that paved the way for my appointment.”

Esports Technologies

Esports Technologies, a global provider of advanced electronic sports wagering products and technology, has announced a new marketing partnership with NBA star Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz.

As a brand ambassador, Clarkson will partner with the firm on marketing campaigns to raise awareness of the brand across digital and social platforms through creative content, various guest appearances and streaming events.

Aaron Speach, CEO of Esports Technologies, noted: “We’re honoured to team up with one of the NBA’s biggest stars as he is enjoying his finest season in the league. Jordan Clarkson’s background, talents and dynamic personality make him an ideal brand ambassador for us. He embodies everything we stand for.

“I’m confident this partnership will likely help us catapult our brand globally, and I can’t thank our strategic advisor Jack McClinton enough for the opportunity to work with Jordan. Together we are building a great team.”

PointsBet

PointsBet has announced that Kosha Gada, a seasoned executive with expertise across media, technology, and digital business, has been appointed by the group’s board as an independent non-executive director,

Gada, the CEO and managing director of Recastled, is a regular contributor on various business and news networks, including Sky News, CNBC, and BNN Bloomberg, as well as publications including Forbes and TechCrunch.

Brett Paton, PointsBet chairman, stated: “I am delighted to welcome Kosha to the Board. Her expertise and strong knowledge of the US media and technology landscape will provide great benefit to PointsBet.

“As we continue to expand into new US jurisdictions, I could not think of a better set of skills to assist the Board as we execute on our strategy. I congratulate Kosha on her appointment and look forward to her contribution.”

DraftKings

DraftKings has announced the appointment of Roy Pollitt as its new Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. He joins the firm from Exiger where he was managing director, head of investigations for the global regulatory and financial crime, risk and compliance company.

Pollitt comes with deep experience of regulation, compliance and security, having also served as a special agent for the FBI for 17 years.

Paul Liberman, DraftKings’ co-founder and president of global product and technology, welcomed the new addition, commented: “I am pleased to welcome Roy Pollitt to the DraftKings team, where he’ll play a critical role leading our US and international regulatory function.

“Roy brings unparalleled experience and a unique perspective to the position, having served both as an expert regulatory consultant to high profile public companies and FBI special agent investigating complex frauds within diverse industries, including banking, gaming, payment processing, and securities.”

The post Part 70 | On the move: recruitment round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The letter, dated 29 April, was addressed to Acting Chair Caroline Pham. The MGCB stressed that the contracts are no different from internet sports betting wagers that are subject to the Lawful Sports Betting Act (LSBA).

As such, the regulator argues that they must fully comply with the LSBA to ensure a legal, fair, and responsible framework for sports betting. Entities offering sports betting opportunities in Michigan must obtain an operator license from the MGCB to be compliant.

CFTC Approved Entities Still Bound by State Rules, Says MGCB

The regulator argues that those who offer sporting event contracts without such a license violate Michigan law. 

The MGCB executive director, Henry Williams, stated: “The offering of sporting event contracts by CFTC-regulated entities, without adherence to Michigan’s licensing requirements and in a manner that may not meet prescribed consumer protections, exposes Michigan residents to unnecessary risk and undermines public trust.”

Williams added: “We are particularly concerned that such contracts are being promoted as investment opportunities, a message that directly contradicts Michigan’s responsible gaming principles.”

Apart from endangering players, the regulator also raised concerns that diverting sports betting activity from licensed operators could reduce state, local, and tribal government revenues.

The document argues that in 2024, legal sports betting operators in Michigan contributed over $20 million in taxes and fees, resources used to support public services and responsible gambling programs.

Call for Federal-State Regulatory Alignment

If unlicensed providers can operate in the state, they would do so without paying taxes and fees, which could harm consumers and government programs financially. 

Williams argued that the threat is real: “Any erosion of the legal, regulated sports betting market undermines the very safeguards we have in place to protect Michiganders.”

The MGCB urged the federal regulator to consider these concerns and evaluate whether sporting event contracts serve the public interest. 

The MGCB has been cracking down on unlicensed operators in its state for some time now, recently issuing cease-and-desist orders to eleven online casinos.

The post MGCB Letter to CFTC: Event Contracts Undermine Legal Betting appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Ananich effective 25 April. Ananich has taken the position after his predecessor, Linda Forte, left it after her term expired. According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s announcement, Ananich’s term will expire on December 31, 2028.

The announcement highlights that he will represent Democrats on the Board, and his appointment is subject to the consent of the Michigan Senate,

Executive Director Henry Williams spoke positively about Ananich’s appointment, outlining that “he is a proven leader with a long-standing commitment to public service and the people of Michigan.” 

“His legislative experience, strategic insight, and collaborative approach make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Board as we continue our mission to ensure the integrity of gaming in Michigan,” he added.

Ananich started his career as a high school social studies teacher and eventually became a lecturer at the University of Michigan. He is also the acting CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition and serves on the Advisory Board of the National University of Michigan.

Ananich to Head Michigan Push for a Safe and Regulated Gaming Market

Ananich’s appointment comes as the regulator continues to crack down on unlicensed operators in the state of Michigan. 

Recently, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist orders to eleven online casinos found to be “unlawfully targeting” Michigan residents. It has also recently issued cease-and-desist orders to two Panama-based operators.

Executive Director Williams said that the MGCB is committed to enforcing the state’s gambling laws and protecting consumers from illegal gambling. He also encouraged residents to use licensed and regulated platforms only for a “safe and fair gaming experience.”

The post Jim Ananich Appointed Chair of Michigan Gaming Control Board appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The following websites have been ordered to immediately stop offering online slots, table games, and video poker: Shazam Casino, Highway Casino, SlotsRoom, Ruby Slots Casino, Las Atlantis Casino, Big Bet Dollar Casino, Blood Moon Casino, Spinfinity, Jumba Bet Casino, Grand Eagle Online Casino, and DogsFortune.

Operators have been given 14 days from receiving the letter to cease operations. If they fail to comply, the MGCB will pursue legal action through the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Michigan Relentless in Enforcement

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains fully committed to ensuring a fair, safe, and lawful gaming environment for all Michigan residents,” MGCB executive director Henry Williams said. “This agency has zero tolerance for illegal gambling. We will continue to exercise our regulatory oversight and authority to protect the interests of Michigan citizens and licensed operators and ensure that all online gambling activities available here are compliant with the law.”

This comes one day after the MGCB sent cease-and-desist letters to Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino, in which it accused both of violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

Michigan has 12 licensed online casino operators, including nine partnered with tribes. In addition to sports betting, Michigan is one of seven states with legal iGaming, joining Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Legal iGaming generated a record $2.4 billion in Michigan in 2024, an increase of 26.3% from the previous year.

Consumer Complaints and Unethical Practices

The MGCB said in a press release that the sites in question offer payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies, to lure players into “risky gambling environments” through deceptive practices ranging from withholding winnings to excessive wagering requirements.

The organization also noted that “players have reported that they are required to wager their deposits multiple times before being allowed to access their winnings, a practice that is not only unethical but also in violation of Michigan’s legal protections for gamblers.”

“In addition to financial risks, these illegal platforms also fail to adhere to state standards for responsible gaming, consumer protection, and data security, leaving users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, and other financial dangers.”

As such, residents are asked to exercise caution when participating in online gaming and to verify each site’s legitimacy. 

The post Michigan Regulator Targets 11 Illegal Online Casinos in Latest Enforcement Push appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has ordered Curaçao-based Alistair Solutions NV to cease operations of two offshore casino brands, Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino. 

In a release, the regulator stated that the two casino brands are in breach of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. 

Both casinos have 14 days from the receipt of the cease-and-desist letter to cease all gambling operations currently available to Michigan residents if they wish to avoid further legal action and penalties. 

Those who breach the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act can be found guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both. 

The MGCB received a tip about the gaming websites, and an investigation found that both sites offered Michigans a variety of games such as online slots, table games, and video poker. 

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to make it clear that any operator found to be operating unlawfully will face appropriate consequences,” commented Henry Williams, an Executive Director at the MGCB. 

“This agency has zero tolerance for illegal gambling. We will continue to exercise our regulatory oversight and authority to protect the interests of Michigan citizens and licensed operators and ensure that all online gambling activities here are compliant with the law.” 

Michigan Regulator Keeping Busy

In March, the MGCB ordered fifteen offshore casino brands to cease and desist. The most extensive clampdown was on casino skins belonging to Apex Dynamics Limited, a Belize-based company operating in the Wolverine State without a license.

The regulator found the company readily accepting deposits from Michigan users, allowing them to wager on real-money casino games. 

The state is among the most proactive in attempting to curb offshore operators, as shown by over 15 enforcement actions last month.

iGaming Continues to Grow in the State

The legislative trend across the United States of America regarding gambling is prohibition. Although online sports betting has proliferated countrywide, iGaming has frequently hit stumbling blocks. 

This is despite the substantial numbers coming out of regulated iGaming states such as Michigan.

iGaming drew $222.5 million in gross receipts in February 2025, up 18.4% year over year, and adjusted gross receipts showed 23.6% growth in the same period. 

The current market leader, by adjusted gross receipts, was FanDuel (in partnership with MotorCity Casino), followed by BetMGM and the MGM Grand Detroit. DraftKings, in partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community, rounded off the top three. 

The state received $42.3 million in tax from iGaming for February.

The post Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Ordered to Cease and Desist in Michigan appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), the authorisation will allow players from both states to play online poker against one another, a move which the MGCB says should “boost the overall gaming industry and create new opportunities for players”.

BetMGM, the platform provider for MGM Grand Detroit in the Wolverine State, submitted a Multi-State Poker Submission Form to the state’s gambling regulator back in May, which has now been approved.

“This authorisation represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries,” commented Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.

“We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.”

Games that BetMGM will be able to its players through the multi-state authorisation include No Limit Hold’em, Fixed Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha Hi, Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, Fixed Limit 7-Card Stud Hi and Fixed Limit 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo. 

However, any new internet poker titles must be submitted to the MGCB for approval.

Angus Nisbet, VP of Gaming at BetMGM, noted: “This is a landmark day for our poker product as we combine player pools in select markets. With the introduction of shared liquidity, we’ve listened to players’ desire for more games and larger prize pools. 

“By showcasing our best-in-class omnichannel experience – spanning property, sports betting and online casino – we’re committed to providing an unparalleled poker experience for our players.”

BetMGM now joins the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians with the World Series of Poker (WSOP), as well as the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians with PokerStars, as multi-state operators in Michigan. 

WSOP – whose brand intellectual property rights were recently sold by Caesars Entertainment to NSUS Group – was authorised by the MGCB for multi-state play earlier this year in May, while PokerStars was approved in January 2023.

Michigan has been a part of the MSIGA since May 2022. Other states that are part of the agreement include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and West Virginia.

More states could soon be added to that list, as last month, Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro asked the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to begin the process of joining the MSIGA.

The post BetMGM authorised to offer multi-state internet poker games in Michigan appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Having received a supplier licence from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, Red Rake will be able to reach out to licenced operators in the Great Lake State and integrate its full collection of slot titles into their online casino lobbies. 

Nick Barr, Managing Director for Red Rake Gaming Malta, commented: “We are delighted to have obtained our second US licence in Michigan, which is a key market in our strategic expansion plans.”

As a result of the move, players in Michigan will soon be able to spin the reels on Red Rake slots such as Million 7, The Asp of Cleopatra and Secrets of the Temple.

Barr added: “The response to our games in Pennsylvania has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to bringing our engaging and feature-rich content to players in Michigan. Our team is committed to delivering a top-tier gaming experience that aligns with the expectations of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the players.”

The move signals Red Rake’s latest move to target US players, having recently taken its slot content live across several North American markets in collaboration with DraftKings. 

Michigan has been a key area of focus for several slot suppliers since the start of the year, with Supremeland Gaming, 1X2 Network and Strive Gaming each securing entries into the Great Lake State in 2024. 

The post Red Rake Gaming builds on ‘positive’ US response with Michigan licence appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Octoplay

Octoplay has appointed Gavin Hamilton as Chair, subject to regulatory approval.

Hamilton brings industry experience to the online casino slots development company, as he was previously CEO of Red Tiger, as well as COO of NetEnt and Commercial Director at Evolution.

Carl Ejlertsson, CEO of Octoplay, stated: “As we embark on a transformative journey in 2024, Octoplay is poised for a pivotal year. Gavin’s invaluable experience in navigating the intricacies of scaling a business into diverse regulated markets will undoubtedly expedite our development.”

Octoplay has noted that Hamilton’s appointment will help the company as it continues to grow in the US market.

Hamilton added: “I am thrilled to be joining Octoplay as Chairman. I am impressed by what they have achieved in such a short period and am excited to be part of the delivery of the strategy going forward.

“For Octoplay to have already secured partnerships with most of the world’s largest operators is a significant endorsement of their commitment to product excellence and innovation.”

Konami

Konami Gaming has named Stephanie Lau as Vice President of Sales Enablement & Gaming Operations.

For 19 years, Lau has worked for major operators such as Station Casinos and MGM Resorts International across operations, finance, and analytics, spanning tribal and commercial, local and resort.

At Konami, Lau will be in charge of the company’s business operations, sales operations, and data analytics divisions.

“With nearly 20 years of distinguished experience in the gaming industry, Stephanie is bringing an important operator focus and data-driven approach to this key appointment,” commented Jay Bertsch, SVP and CCO at Konami Gaming. 

“She has demonstrated an ability to drive exceptional results through gaming analytics, market strategy, product positioning, and customer engagement, which we look forward to sharing with the valued casinos we serve.” 

LOTBA

Jesús Acevedo has been named by the Executive of the City of Buenos Aires as the next President of the Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

Sanctioned by Jorge Macri, the City Governor of Buenos Aires, Acevedo will succeed Martín García Santillán as President of LOTBA.

He has previously served within former President Mauricio Macri‘s Argentina PRO cabinet as the Secretary of Institutional Management and has also been Secretary General of International Affairs for River Plate FC.

At LOTBA, Acevedo will be in charge of operating the municipal lottery of Buenos Aires as well as serving as the licensing authority for Buenos Aires City gambling licences.

MGCB

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has reappointed Joni M Thrower Davis and Andrew T Palms to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

With both terms set to expire on December 31, 2027, Davis is reappointed for her second four-year term since joining the MGCB in 2019, while Palms begins his 12th year as a board member.

“I appreciate Governor Whitmer’s decision to reappoint Joni and Andrew to the Board, which is well-deserved recognition of their dedication, expertise, and valuable contributions to our agency’s mission and vision,” stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. 

“I am confident that the reappointment of these Board members will ensure continued stability, effective decision-making, and the ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Michigan’s gaming industry, and I look forward to continuing our work together for the citizens of this great state.”

Thunderkick

Thunderkick has appointed Svante Sahlström as Chief Commercial Officer.

With over a decade of experience, Sahlström was previously Head of New Markets for ELK Studios and has held other C-level positions within the industry. 

He has also worked for six years within the igaming payments space with businesses such as Zimpler and Trustly.

Sahlström commented: “It’s an honour to be joining Thunderkick as its Chief Commercial Officer at such a pivotal and exciting time for the company, and I’m thrilled to be able to contribute to its mission.

“I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running, especially with ICE just around the corner, and focusing on delivering best-in-class customer service that I believe will set us apart from other providers. 

“This year is set to be full of substantial growth and success for Thunderkick, and I’m excited to help drive that.”

As Chief Commercial Officer, Sahlström will be responsible for directing Thunderkick’s new market entry strategy, as well as manage partnership and growth development in existing markets.

Sven Grip, Chief Executive Officer at Thunderkick, added: “Svante is a fantastic addition to the team, especially as Chief Commercial Officer. His depth of knowledge and experience is sure to guide our journey into new markets and expansion within others.

“He joins Thunderkick at an extremely exciting time, with entry into Ontario on the horizon alongside substantial growth worldwide. We’re in a fantastic position to keep rising, and Svante is sure to play a pivotal part in taking us to the next level.”

Stakelogic

Stakelogic has added Edgars Isajevs as its new Head of Live Casino.

As Head of Live Casino, Isajevs will be tasked with developing Stakelogic’s live casino offering in terms of technology and organisational efficiency.

“After talking with Edgars for 10 minutes, I knew he would be perfect to lead Stakelogic Live,” stated Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic.

“His passion for our industry in combination with his profound knowledge of live casino operations make Edgars the perfect executive to strengthen our management team.”

Isajevs brings over a decade of live casino experience to Stakelogic, having held key live casino operational and technology positions at the likes of Evolution, Pragmatic Play and Winfinity. 

Isajevs added “I am very excited to start with Stakelogic Live. To me, Stakelogic Live, certainly at this moment, is the most innovative game supplier in the industry. Especially their revolutionary ideas about innovating Live Casino appeal to me.”

The post LOTBA, Octoplay, Konami: on the move appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has revealed that November’s $79.1m is down significantly from the $101.8m declared during the same month the previous year, with a split of $76m generated from table games and slots, and $3.1m from retail sports betting.

The month’s revenue had also fallen in comparison to October’s $82.8m. Revenue market share was split amongst the city’s casinos as follows: MGM Grand Detroit – 39 per cent, MotorCity – 34 per cent, Hollywood Casino at Greektown – 27 per cent.

As previously mentioned, November was also the month in which casino workers who were part of a Detroit Casino Council union continued their striking action that began on October 17 until close to the end of the month.

2,100 employees across MotorCity and Hollywood Casino ended their strikes on November 19 after agreeing to a new labour deal. 1,700 MGM Grand employees continued striking until December 2.

November’s table games and slot revenue of $76m was down by 23.9 per cent year-over-year (November 2022: $99.9m) and seven per cent lower than the previous month (October: $81.7m).

Year to date through November 30, Detroit casinos’ table games and slots revenue has decreased by 3.2 per cent when compared to the same period last year.

Per casino, MGM is down 34.4 per cent YoY to $30.6m (2022: $46.7m), MotorCity fell by 17.8 per cent to $24.7m (2022: $30m) and Hollywood Casino has dropped by 10.8 per cent to $20.7m (2022: $23.2m).

The state of Michigan received $6.2m (2022: $8.1m) in gaming taxes from the three casinos during the month. $9.4m was submitted in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit.

In retail sports betting, Detroit’s three casinos reported a November handle of $15.3m (2022: $18.1m) and total gross receipts of $3.1m (2022: $1.9m).

MotorCity earned the most in gross receipts with $2.2m, followed by Hollywood Casino with $657,535 and MGM with $230,847. The casinos also paid $116,769 in state gaming taxes and submitted $142,718 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit.

During October, fantasy contest operators earned total adjusted revenues of $2.7m and paid $229,544 in taxes. Year to date through October 31, fantasy operators have reported $19.5m in revenue and paid $1.6m in taxes.

The post Detroit casino revenue dipped in November as strikes concluded appeared first on CasinoBeats.

This follows an April investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan Gaming Control Board, with subsequent raids resulting in a wave of items being seized.

Among these were 100 gambling devices, $29,204 in suspected profits, and 62 gift cards of varying denominations.

In Davison it was said that 11 standalone gaming machines and 54 gaming computer towers were also taken, with these figures standing at 12 and 23, respectively, for the Burton location.

“Accountability is crucial when it comes to upholding justice and ensuring a fair and honest gaming environment in the state of Michigan,” commented Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director. 

“While the Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to hold those who choose to circumvent the law accountable for their actions, we also acknowledge the importance of fairness, equality, and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. 

“We operate with integrity and our investigators remain committed to the foundations of due process that protects the rights of all individuals involved.”

During August and September charges were filed against each individual, with Joseph Toporek and Mary Larkin each facing five charges.

Broken down, these are three felony counts for running a gambling operation without a licence and using computers to commit a crime; one high court misdemeanour for maintaining a gambling house for gain; and one misdemeanour for keeping a gambling house.

Shaun Bellah II, Shaun Bellah Sr, and Ghazwan Brikho are facing seven charges. These are five felony counts for conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, running a gambling operation without a licence, and using computers to commit a crime; one high court misdemeanour for maintaining a gambling house for gain; and one misdemeanour for keeping a gambling house.

“Under the law, the criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the MGCB updated. 

“All the accused have been arraigned — Toporek on Aug. 18, Brikho on Aug. 25, Larkin on Aug. 26, Bellah II on Sept. 5, and Bellah Sr. on Sept. 12 — and posted personal bond while they await their probable cause hearings on Sept. 28.”

The post Michigan arraigns quintet on 31 charges over storefront casino claims appeared first on CasinoBeats.