The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to an Arkansas-based operator of online lotteries and raffles.
The MGCB said it received a tip-off that OC Media Holdings, operating as One Country Give (One Country) in Fayetteville was accessible to people in Michigan.
The regulator said One Country is offering players entries into sweepstakes which are unlicensed online lotteries and/or raffles under Michigan law.
One Country’s promotions, advertised on its website and on social media, include 300 entries for US$15 per month and 6,000 entries for $75 pert month.
The MGCBB said One Country’s operations violate “numerous” Michigan laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.
“One Country has 14 days from receipt of the letter to take steps to prevent Michigan residents from gambling on their websites and social media platforms,” the regulator said.
“The MGCB is prepared to work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to take appropriate legal actions to address the violations identified, should One Country choose to disregard the cease-and-desist letter.”
MGCB executive director Henry Williams added the watchdog “will not, and does not, tolerate activities that circumvent our laws and threaten the integrity of the highly regulated gaming industry in Michigan.
“We are committed to upholding state law to ensure a fair and honest gaming environment for all Michigan citizens, and we will keep issuing cease-and-desist letters and taking appropriate legal actions to halt illegal gaming in the state of Michigan,” Williams added.
