The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to four unlicensed online gambling operators—You Wager, Bet Pop Casino, Wager 7, and Discount Wager—for offering illegal betting services to Michigan residents. These offshore platforms violate Michigan’s gaming laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
Offshore Operators Targeted by MGCB
You Wager
- Established: 1998
- License: Costa Rica
- Specialties: High-limit sports betting, including NFL, MMA, esports, and soccer
- Key Concern: Accepts U.S. bettors, including Michigan residents, without state approval
Bet Pop Casino
- Established: 2019
- Owner: First Fidelity Company
- Offerings: Slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, baccarat, and poker
- Key Concern: Operates without a Michigan gaming license
Wager 7
- Offerings: Offshore sportsbook covering NFL, college football, soccer, horse racing, and auto racing
- Casino Games: Includes poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, pai gow, and baccarat
- Marketing Gimmicks: Promotes “same-day payouts” and referral bonuses for new players
- Key Concern: Unregulated site offering high-risk gambling without consumer protections
Discount Wager
- Established: 2020
- Owner: First Fidelity Company
- Key Concern: No clear terms and conditions, no legal player protections
Violations and Consumer Risks
According to MGCB investigations, these offshore sites illegally accepted wagers without the required state licensing, offering unregulated casino-style games and sports betting. Such operations expose Michigan consumers to risks, including:
✅ Lack of player protections
✅ No responsible gaming safeguards
✅ No legal recourse for disputes
“Illegal gambling operations prey on vulnerable consumers and undermine the integrity of the regulated gaming industry,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Michigan residents deserve the protections that come with licensed, legal gaming. We will continue to take strong action against those who skirt the law.”
Legal Action & Deadline to Comply
Each of the four operators must cease operations immediately within Michigan. They have 14 days to comply or face further legal consequences in coordination with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Michigan’s gaming regulators remain committed to protecting legal betting options, ensuring residents only access state-approved gaming platforms with consumer safeguards in place.
