Michigan backs international gambling license-checking campaign
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has joined an international campaign encouraging consumers to check whether gambling websites hold a license where they play. Its November 10 announcement supports Illegal Gambling Awareness Week and the introduction of a free licensing-information tool.
Organized by the International Association of Gaming Regulators, the campaign runs November 9–13. It combines regulator communications, public-information materials and a website-checking service, with the association describing it as its first internationally coordinated awareness initiative focused on unlicensed gambling.
“Illegal gambling operators want you to believe they’re just another option. They’re not,” said Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB. “When you play with an unlicensed operator, there’s no one verifying your age or identity, no one making sure your winnings get paid, and no regulator you can turn to when something goes wrong. Michigan built a legal market with real consumer protections, and we want every resident to know how to find it.”
The board is extending its Michigan messaging beyond the international campaign through radio public-service announcements airing throughout November.
Michigan’s licensed online casinos and sportsbooks must verify that customers are at least 21, protect funds and personal information, provide responsible-gambling controls and honor the state’s exclusion database. Customers also have access to the regulator’s complaints process.
Checking tool draws on participating jurisdictions’ records
CheckBeforeYouPlay.org allows consumers to enter a gambling website’s address and consult available licensing information for covered IAGR member jurisdictions. The service draws on regulatory records and other verified public sources; its coverage depends on the jurisdictions included.
The tool was contributed by Sharp Vision, a Paris-based regulatory technology company. R&R Partners developed the campaign’s creative materials, including videos, social content and communications resources initially offered in English and Spanish.
IAGR’s campaign warns that familiar branding, sponsorships and a professional-looking website do not establish local authorization. It also highlights potential consequences of using unlicensed operators, including unpaid balances, difficulties resolving disputes and inadequate protection of personal information.
Michigan’s announcement also summarized its prediction-market enforcement. Coinbase and Robinhood agreed to stop offering covered sports contracts, while an October agreement requires Polymarket U.S. to stop new sports contracts and close Michigan residents’ open positions by November 25.
