Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist letter to BetNow

DETROIT, Feb. 24, 2025 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist order to BetNow.eu Sportsbook, Casino, and Racebook (BetNow), an offshore online casino operating illegally within the state. The site offers a range of casino games, including slots, poker, and live dealer options such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as betting services for sports events and horse races.

“This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law, but also exposes consumers to significant risks,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Our job is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling is conducted legally and responsibly.”

BetNow offers numerous payment options for player deposits, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Zelle, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, CashMG, and bank transfers. However, players must wager their entire initial deposit before becoming eligible to withdraw any winnings.

The MGCB’s investigation found that BetNow is in violation of several key state laws, including:

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Only licensed operators are permitted to offer internet gaming. Only Michigan-licensed casinos and federally authorized tribal casinos can apply for a gaming license under state law.
• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating an unlicensed gambling business is a felony in Michigan, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
• Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves payment based on the outcome of an uncertain event, is prohibited under state law. Accepting money with the understanding it will be paid based on a game of chance is illegal.

BetNow has 14 days to cease offering gambling services to Michigan residents as required by the cease-and-desist order. If the company fails to comply, the MGCB is prepared to work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.

The MGCB encourages Michigan residents to exercise caution when engaging in online gaming and to ensure any site they use is properly licensed. A list of authorized internet gaming providers is available on the agency’s website at Michigan.gov/MGCB. Individuals aware of unlicensed gambling operations are urged to report them to the MGCB for investigation by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Michigan citizens can also visit the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to game responsibly.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.