Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist letters to Curaçao-based Lucky Tiger Casino, Rich Palms Casino for illegal gambling activities

DETROIT, April 2, 2025 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to the offshore Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino for conducting illegal gambling activities in Michigan that violate the state’s gaming laws and regulations.

After receiving a tip about the gaming website, an MGCB investigation found that the online casinos, operated by Alistair Solutions NV located in Curaçao, offer a variety of gambling games such as slot machines, table games, and video poker to players in Michigan.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to make it clear that any operator found to be operating unlawfully will face appropriate consequences,” 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.”

Due to their unregulated and unlicensed online gaming offerings, Lucky Tiger Casino and Rich Palms Casino are in violation of the following Michigan gaming laws, including the:

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which states that internet gaming may only be offered by a licensed internet gaming operator. Only casinos that are currently licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and federally authorized tribal casinos within Michigan can apply for an internet gaming operator license. Additionally, only licensed internet gaming platform providers can provide gaming software for a licensed internet gaming operator.

• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which prohibits a party from conducting a gambling operation without a license issued by the MGCB. A party who operates an unlicensed gambling operation is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
• Michigan Penal Code, which broadly prohibits any form of unauthorized gambling involving consideration, prize, and chance. For example, accepting money, or anything of value, with the understanding that money, or anything of value, will be paid to any person based on the outcome of an uncertain event is prohibited.

Both entities have 14 days from receipt of the letter to cease all illegal gambling operations that are currently available to Michigan residents. Failure to comply with the order could result in further legal action and penalties.

The MGCB urges residents to exercise caution when engaging in online gaming activities and to verify the legality of gaming sites before participating. A list of licensed internet gaming providers can be found on the agency’s website at Michigan.gov/MGCB. Residents are also encouraged to report any suspicious or unlicensed gambling operations to the MGCB for prompt investigation and action. Tips can be reported by calling 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to 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.