Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau recently represented the agency at the 2025 North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Annual Training and Education Conference, held June 2-5 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Lessnau presented a featured session titled “Case Study: Tackling the Illegal/Offshore Gaming Market” and facilitated a discussion on how Michigan is setting the standard nationwide in combatting illegal and unregulated gaming operations. His presentation outlined Michigan’s strategic enforcement model and collaborative approach to removing illegal gambling from the state and deterring bad actors from targeting Michigan consumers.

“Michigan is at the forefront of the national conversation on illegal gambling, and we were proud to share how our efforts are making a real impact. We’re leveraging every tool available—from anonymous tip lines and interagency partnerships to direct enforcement and public awareness—to crack down on illegal gaming operations that threaten consumer protection and undermine legal businesses,” MGCB Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau said.

To date, the MGCB has issued nearly 100 cease-and-desist letters to unauthorized gambling operators—including high-profile offshore websites—and continues to pursue new cases with more enforcement actions expected in the months ahead. These efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity in Michigan’s legal, regulated gaming market.

The MGCB’s aggressive stance on illegal and offshore gambling has drawn national recognition and strengthened its partnerships with regulatory peers across the US.

As part of the NAGRA conference, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams was honored with the 2025 Excellence in Gaming – Individual Award, recognizing his leadership in expanding responsible gaming outreach and fortifying criminal enforcement efforts. The award reflects the continued success of the MGCB under Williams’ direction and the agency’s role as a model for effective, transparent regulation.

Wyoming lawmakers have proposed to double the sports betting tax rate in the state. That would take it to 20% from 10%.

Since sportsbooks launched in September 2021, the state has collected $3.8 million in taxes on $69 million in sports betting revenue.

The committee also proposed increasing taxes on “skill-based amusement games” to 25% from 20% and the tax on historic horse racing to 2.5% from 1.5%.

Committee Chair Tara Nethercott led the proposals. Nethercott said the state has been “generous to players in this space.”

She also said the state has offered “modest regulation with little oversight.” Nethercott wants to see oversight and revenues that match the industry.

Opponents of the measure said the hikes would harm the solid growth the state’s gambling industry has seen.