Michigan Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling operators

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to Ace23 and its management company, Ace Per Head, citing violations of Michigan’s gaming laws.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken action against Ace23, an offshore gambling operator based in Costa Rica and its managing company, Ace Per Head, issuing cease-and-desist letters for illegal gambling activities in the state.

Ace23 operates the website Ace23.ag, which serves as a platform for agents or bookies to conduct sportsbook and casino operations. 

According to the MGCB, the platform is in violation of Michigan’s gaming laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

Ace23 markets itself as part of the Ace Gaming Network, claiming to hold licenses in Canada and Costa Rica. 

However, it is not licensed to operate in Michigan. The MGCB’s investigation revealed that Ace23 enables agents to set up their own bookmaking operations, using various skins and webpages to accept wagers and make payouts.

The platform itself charges agents $10 per active player per week but does not directly handle the wagers or payouts, leaving that responsibility to the agents or bookies.

The MGCB raised concerns over the website’s payment methods, which include cryptocurrency and gift cards. Agents are required to submit payment by entering gift card codes or transferring cryptocurrency to pay for the platform’s services. 

Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director, said, “The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to safeguarding the integrity of legal gaming in the state and protecting consumers from illicit offshore operations like Ace23.”

Good to know: The MGCB encourages Michigan citizens to remain vigilant when engaging in online gaming and to verify the legality of the platforms they use. A list of licensed internet gaming providers is available on the MGCB website.

The MGCB’s cease-and-desist letters instruct Ace23 and Ace Per Head to halt all gambling operations within Michigan and comply within 14 days.

In August 2024, the Board renewed licenses for all three Detroit casinos—MotorCity, MGM Grand Detroit and Hollywood Casino at Greektown—following a thorough review to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Additionally, the MGCB has approved measures to allow more small businesses to provide services to these casinos, promoting economic growth within the industry.

David Thompson

Editor

Good iGaming content works like a well-balanced system. When the math, structure, and testing align, players can see exactly where the value lies.

Visit Profile

Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.