Michigan issues cease-and-desist orders to offshore gambling site BetUS

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist order against BetUS, an offshore gambling platform, for unlawfully offering online sports betting and casino-style gaming to Michigan residents without a license.

The regulator said BetUS has 14 days to comply with the order or face further legal action in coordination with the Michigan Department of Attorney General. The board’s investigation revealed that the company accepted bets from Michigan players in violation of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.

“Unlicensed operators like BetUS undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming market and expose consumers to potential risks,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement. “The MGCB is committed to protecting Michigan residents by ensuring that all gambling activities are conducted legally and responsibly.”

BetUS, founded in 1994 and based in Costa Rica, claims to serve more than one million customers worldwide. Its online platform offers a broad range of wagering options, including sports betting, esports, casino games, horse racing, and proposition bets on entertainment and political events. The company is licensed only by the Comoros Union (Mwali) and lacks authorization to operate in Michigan or any other U.S. jurisdiction.

The board said that the platform’s lack of licensure poses risks to consumers, including limited oversight and potential loss of funds, and warned that further enforcement action would follow if BetUS fails to halt its activities in the state.