MGCB warns players of unregulated sites after complications

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has reminded gamblers about the implications of betting on unlicensed sites, following a string of complaints about such sites failing to pay back players’ winnings.

After receiving numerous similar complaints, Henry Williams, MGCB’s executive director, issued a statement encouraging players to be extra cautious when choosing which sites to join and play from since, in contrast to regulated sites, the MGCB cannot manage a problem with unregulated sites.  According to the statement, 24,000 identity theft cases were reported in the state of Michigan in 2020.

Williams emphasized the risks of betting on unlicensed sites, such as the likelihood of the sites gathering your personal information and using it for illegal purposes, such as illegally receiving medical care or paying taxes.

Wiliams’ statement went as follows:

“There are no promises that if you disclose personal information with an unlicensed gaming site, your information will not be sold to or exploited by criminals. The most prevalent complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission is identity theft.

In contrast to regulated gambling, there is no system for the MGCB to address a patron dispute with an unregulated, offshore gambling site. Our agency lacks the jurisdiction to prosecute a dispute with an unregulated site.”