• The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent cease-and-desist letters to two illegal gaming operations
• The board sent notices to Ace 23 and Ace Per Head, both located in Costa Rica
• Ace Per Head manages Ace 23 and purports to be part of the Ace Gaming Network

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has had a busy week, as the board has issued two cease-and-desist notices to Ace23 and Ace Per Head.

Ace23, which is managed by Ace Per Head, is an illegally operated sportsbook and casino service provider that caters to agents and bookies, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

Ace23 purports to be part of the Ace Gaming Network, which claims to be licensed for business in Canada and Costa Rica. The network is not licensed in Michigan.

Direct Violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Act

According to the MGCB, Ace 23 operates in direct violation of the state’s Lawful Internet Act. The website enable account holders, considered “agents,” to establish bookmaking operations using different designs and webpages. These agents can then accept wagers and make payouts to users. Ace 23 organizes the setup and administration of the operation and charges the “agents” $10 per active player per week.

The website also offers casino-style games, but does not take any bets or make any payouts, as those are handled between the “agents” and users. The per customer fees are charged through cryptocurrencies or approved retailer gift cards.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to safeguarding the integrity of legal gaming in the state and protecting consumers from illicit offshore operations like Ace23,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Our regulatory efforts are focused on promoting responsible gaming practices and upholding the laws that govern the industry. To that end, we ask all Michigan residents to stay informed and stay safe by reporting any suspected illegal gambling activities to the agency because we take every tip very seriously.”

Ace23 and Ace Per Head both have 14 days to cease business in the state.

Busy Week for MGCB

The new cease-and-desist notices were sent out a day after the MGCB announced it had sent a cease-and-desist letter to Papaya Gaming for what it claims is illegal gambling activities in the state.

The MGCB issued the letter to Papaya Gaming, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, after an investigation into the company. The agency received an anonymous tip on the company’s services, which led to the evaluation.

According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s investigation, Papaya Gaming “is operating illegal gambling” by offering mobile apps to players to buy-in and win real money through gameplay. These games include 21 Cash, Bingo Cash, Bubble Cash, and Solitaire Cash.

Papaya Gaming also has 14 days to cease operations in the state.

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