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Michigan is taking its fight against unlicensed online gambling international after securing restrictions against four prediction market platforms offering sports contracts without state authorization.
Good to know
- Kalshi, Coinbase, Robinhood and Polymarket US face restrictions on sports event contracts in Michigan.
- Regulators worldwide are participating in Illegal Gambling Awareness Week from November 9 to 13.
- A new free tool lets players check online casino and sportsbook licensing information.
Michigan Prediction Market Restrictions Add to Gambling Campaign
Polymarket US must close remaining sports event contracts held by Michigan customers by November 25, following a federal court-approved agreement reached on October 28. The platform has already agreed to stop offering new contracts in the state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) previously secured similar restrictions against Coinbase and Robinhood. Meanwhile, a preliminary injunction prevents Kalshi from offering sports event contracts to Michigan residents.
None of the four platforms holds a Michigan sports betting licence.
However, the wider legal dispute remains unresolved. Prediction market operators argue that federal commodities regulations govern their contracts, while Michigan considers sports outcome contracts a form of gambling that requires state authorization.
The agreements do not settle that question, with related appeals pending before the Sixth Circuit.
Global Regulators Launch Gambling Licence Checker
The enforcement actions come as Michigan joins the first internationally coordinated Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, organized by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR).
The November 9–13 campaign introduces CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, a free website licensing checker developed with technology contributed by Sharp Vision.
Players can enter a gambling website address to review available licensing records from participating jurisdictions.
The MGCB is promoting the campaign through radio announcements, videos and social media under the message “Play it safe. Bet legal.”
“Illegal gambling doesn’t stop at state or national borders, and neither can our response,” Williams said. “Working with IAGR and our fellow regulators lets us share information and act faster to protect players here in Michigan and around the world.”
Michigan Warns Players About Unlicensed Gambling Sites
Michigan has already sent hundreds of cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling websites and other unlicensed operators.
Licensed Michigan online casinos and sportsbooks must verify that customers are at least 21, protect player funds, provide gambling limits and follow responsible gaming requirements.
Unlicensed websites operate outside those state licensing safeguards.
“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 regulator advises players to verify gambling licences before depositing money and avoid websites promising guaranteed winnings or skipping identity checks.
Residents can report suspected unlicensed gambling at 1-888-314-2682. The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline also provides free, confidential support at 1-800-GAMBLER
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