Michigan regulator highlights Polymarket and Kalshi exits during Illegal Gambling Awareness Week
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has partnered with international regulators to launch a license verification tool while outlining recent enforcement against unlicensed prediction markets.
Key takeaways
- 01The MGCB is participating in Illegal Gambling Awareness Week from Nov. 9–13 to highlight the risks of unlicensed operators.
- 02Polymarket US agreed on Oct. 28 to close open sports-related event contracts held by Michigan residents by Nov. 25.
- 03Regulators launched CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, a tool by Sharp Vision that lets consumers verify a gambling site's license.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board is partnering with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) to mark Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, pointing to recent enforcement actions against offshore sites and prediction markets operating without state authorization.
Polymarket US must stop offering new sports-related event contracts in Michigan and close any open contracts held by residents by Nov. 25.
The agency stated it has sent hundreds of cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed online gambling operators. Highlighting recent crackdowns on prediction markets, the MGCB noted a preliminary injunction secured in September barring Kalshi from offering sports event contracts to people in Michigan. In October, Coinbase agreed to stop offering sports-related event contracts to Michigan customers, following a similar agreement with Robinhood. On Oct. 28, a federal court approved an agreement requiring Polymarket US to stop offering new contracts in Michigan and close existing ones by the Nov. 25 deadline.
The MGCB is recognizing the first internationally coordinated Illegal Gambling Awareness Week from Nov. 9–13. The agency will air radio public service announcements throughout November reminding residents to ensure platforms are licensed in Michigan before placing a bet.
“Working with IAGR and our fellow regulators lets us share information and act faster to protect players here in Michigan and around the world,” said Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB.
License Verification Tool
As part of the campaign, the IAGR is launching CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, a free online tool contributed by regulatory technology company Sharp Vision. The tool allows consumers to enter a gambling site’s web address to check available licensing information across participating IAGR member jurisdictions, drawing on regulatory records and other verified public sources.
Identifying Legal Markets
The MGCB outlined the consumer protections enforced in Michigan’s licensed online casinos and sportsbooks, which are absent in unlicensed sweepstakes casinos and offshore sites. Regulated operators must verify players are 21 or older, protect player funds using secure payment methods, offer responsible gaming tools like deposit and time limits, and honor the state’s Responsible Gaming Database.
The regulator urged players to be wary of sites that accept cryptocurrency only, promise guaranteed winnings, or fail to ask for age and identity verification. Residents can report suspected illegal gambling to the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682. Anyone concerned about their gambling can call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential help, 24 hours a day.
BackgroundMichigan online casino and sports betting revenuePrediction market litigation tracker
