Michigan’s Crackdown on Offshore Casinos Misses the Real Problem: Terrible RTP in Legal Sites

Michigan regulators are going after offshore casinos again, but maybe they should ask themselves why players prefer them in the first place. Instead of addressing the real issue—abysmal RTP rates at legal casinos—they’re busy shutting down platforms that actually give players a fighting chance. Who in their right mind would play at a state-licensed casino with an 80% RTP when offshore crypto casinos offer 95% or higher?

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) recently issued cease-and-desist letters to five offshore online casinos—BetWhale Casino, Black Lotus Casino, Coins Game Casino, Love2play Casino, and Orion Stars 777. These platforms allegedly operate without a license, violating Michigan state laws. But let’s be honest: most of these offshore sites offer better payouts, faster withdrawals, and fewer restrictions than Michigan’s so-called “legal” options.

Michigan’s Backward Approach to Online Gambling

Henry Williams, the MGCB’s Executive Director, claims that illegal platforms “put consumers at risk” because they lack regulatory oversight and impose strict withdrawal conditions. But isn’t it just as bad—if not worse—when legal Michigan casinos keep players hooked with predatory RTPs and endless wagering requirements?

Michigan’s laws, which strictly regulate online gambling through the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, don’t address why players are flocking to offshore sites in the first place. Instead of fixing the problem, the state focuses on legal threats and enforcement:

The Lawful Internet Gaming Act requires casinos to be licensed by the state—regardless of whether they provide better odds for players.

The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act makes operating an unlicensed gambling site a felony, conveniently ignoring why people avoid licensed platforms in the first place.

The Michigan Penal Code defines gambling as an illegal activity unless regulated—unless, of course, it’s the state itself profiting off those losses.

The Real Consumer Protection Issue: RTP Rates

While Michigan’s regulators try to push players into licensed casinos, they fail to mention one major problem: terrible RTP rates at these sites. Many of Michigan’s legal online casinos feature slot games with RTPs as low as 80%, meaning that over time, players are guaranteed to lose more money. Offshore casinos, particularly those operating on crypto, typically offer RTPs closer to 95%-98%, giving players at least a reasonable shot at winning.

If Michigan really wanted to protect players, they’d enforce fair RTP rates on their licensed casinos instead of forcing gamblers into a system designed to drain their wallets.

What Happens Next?

The MGCB has given offshore operators two weeks to shut down or face legal action. Meanwhile, Michigan players will continue seeking out better alternatives—because why settle for a legal casino that’s rigged against you?

Until the state acknowledges that high RTPs, fair withdrawal policies, and player-friendly terms are what matter most, offshore casinos will remain the smarter choice for those who actually want a chance to win.