Michigan Gaming Control Board Selected As Global Regulatory Awards Finalist

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) oversees the best sports betting sites in the Great Lake State. It recently announced that it has been recognized as a finalist for Vixio’s 2024 Global Regulatory Awards in the “Regulatory Initiative of the Year” category.

The MGCB takes decisive action against illegal gambling, upholding the industry's integrity and safeguarding residents in the Michigan sports betting and Michigan online casino markets from fraudulent activity.

“In one of the fastest-growing U.S. gaming markets, the MGCB continues to identify and remove casino-style gaming machines from businesses, dismantle illicit gambling operations, and uphold Michigan’s gaming laws,” commented MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams, as reported in the press release.

Other nominees recognized in this category include the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the National Voluntary Self Exclusion Program by idPair, and the Betting and Gaming Council of the UK.

The MGCB’s efforts

At the heart of the MGCB’s success is its Criminal Investigations Section (CIS), which is critical in enforcing Michigan’s gaming laws. In 2023 alone, the CIS issued warning letters to 26 Michigan residents involved in illegal gambling through social media and sent cease-and-desist letters to five unlicensed online gaming websites. There are plenty of legal Michigan sports betting apps for residents to take advantage of.

The investigations also led to the seizure of 79 illegal gambling machines, the closure of seven illicit gambling locations, and criminal charges being filed against 29 individuals. 

“The MGCB’s efforts to combat illegal gambling provides an opportunity to educate Michigan citizens and raise awareness about the risks involved in illegal gambling, as well as an opportunity to promote responsible gaming practices,” added Williams. “Ultimately, these actions all collectively contribute to safer communities, deter criminal elements, and uphold public trust in the gaming sector, benefiting both the agency and state citizens alike by contributing to the social welfare and economic prosperity of the Great Lakes State.”

According to the MGCB, several sweepstakes casinos in the state have recognized these regulatory actions and voluntarily ceased operations.

What is the MGCB?

The MGCB is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing all gambling activities in Michigan, including land-based casinos, iGaming, and sports betting. Created in 1997 following Michigan voters’ approval of legislation authorizing three commercial casinos in Detroit, the MGCB’s mission is to ensure fair and honest gaming across the state.

The agency’s responsibilities expanded in 2021 when legal sports betting and iGaming were introduced following Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signing of the Lawful Sports Betting Act in December 2019. Today, the state has several sportsbooks and casinos, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and BetRivers.

About the Vixio Global Regulatory Awards

Established in 2017, the Global Regulatory Awards honor organizations that excel in the global gambling industry, particularly in compliance, responsible gambling, and corporate social responsibility. The awards are open to both industry newcomers and veterans.

This year, the eighth annual Global Regulatory Awards gala will take place on Dec. 4 at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London, a venue that has hosted the event since 2019. An independent panel of industry experts will judge the award submissions, and winners will be announced during the gala.