The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist order to BetNow.eu Sportsbook, Casino, and Racebook (BetNow), an offshore online casino operating illegally within the state. The site offers a range of casino games, including slots, poker, and live dealer options such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as betting services for sports events and horse races.

“This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law, but also exposes consumers to significant risks. Our job is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling is conducted legally and responsibly,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.

BetNow offers numerous payment options for player deposits, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Zelle, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, CashMG, and bank transfers. However, players must wager their entire initial deposit before becoming eligible to withdraw any winnings.

The MGCB’s investigation found that BetNow is in violation of several key state laws, including:

Advertisement

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Only licensed operators are permitted to offer internet gaming. Only Michigan-licensed casinos and federally authorized tribal casinos can apply for a gaming license under state law.

• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating an unlicensed gambling business is a felony in Michigan, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

• Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves payment based on the outcome of an uncertain event, is prohibited under state law. Accepting money with the understanding it will be paid based on a game of chance is illegal.

The National Council of Games of Chance and Luck in Colombia has issued Agreement 802 of 2025, through which operators are authorized to use random number generators complementary to the use of raffles and to broadcast the draws over the internet.

“We are working to modernize the entire industry, and that means implementing new technologies. With this Agreement, our goal is that, based on number generators, lottery operators can carry out more draws per year. This means not only an increase in sales, but also in transfers for health,” Marco Emilio Hincapié, president of Coljuegos, said.

Random number generators are systems that allow numbers to be chosen at random. These programs work through computer algorithms that create statistically independent results without following specific patterns that lead to them being predictable.

“From now on, lottery operators will have the possibility of continuing to use the ballot boxes and, at the same time, create more draws in which random number generators are used,” said the president.

Advertisement

“In addition, they will be able to broadcast the draws through their websites, social media and traditional media such as television. This will provide greater transparency in the draws and more guarantees for bettors,” he added.

This new regulation is part of the strategy to transform and optimize the operation of games of chance and luck with computer security and transparency standards.