• Industry
    • Opinion
    • Features
      • iGaming Data
      • Sports Betting Data
    • Finance
    • Online Casinos
    • Podcast

      News

      Michigan Gaming Control Board Targets One Country’s Sweepstakes Sites

      MGCB issued a cease-and-desist letter to the controversial gaming operator

      By Erik Gibbs

      Last updated: September 9, 2024

      2 min

      cease and desist

      The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to OC Media Holdings LLC, the entity behind the controversial online lottery platform One Country. The MGCB’s action targets the Fayetteville, Arkansas-based company’s operations, which involve the sale of monthly lottery memberships.

      These memberships provide participants with entries into different sweepstakes heavily promoted on One Country’s website and social media channels. According to the MGCB, these sweepstakes are tantamount to unlicensed online lotteries and raffles, practices that are strictly prohibited by Michigan law.

      The MGCB’s investigation into One Country was prompted by a tip-off concerning the company’s business model and its accessibility to residents of Michigan. The investigation revealed that One Country has been offering what it describes as sweepstakes, but which the MGCB has identified as illegal lotteries and raffles. These findings have resulted in swift regulatory action aimed at preventing further violations and protecting Michigan consumers from participating in unauthorized gambling activities.

      “The Michigan Gaming Control Board will not, and does not, tolerate activities that circumvent our laws and threaten the integrity of the highly regulated gaming industry in Michigan,” stated Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, in a press release. He made it clear that the MGCB is prepared to continue issuing cease-and-desist letters and taking further legal action against entities engaged in gaming operations deemed illegal within the state.

      One Country runs various online lotteries and raffles simultaneously, with a membership structure offering varying levels of entry opportunities. Specifically, according to the MGCB, the company’s subscription model includes four tiers: 300 entries per month for $15; 900 entries per month for $25; 3,750 entries per month for $50; and 6,000 entries per month for $75. Additionally, participants can purchase entries through one-time payments or by buying merchandise offered by One Country.

      Multiple violations

      The MGCB’s letter to One Country cites several key violations of Michigan law. Central among these is the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which stipulates that only licensed internet gaming operators may offer online gaming services. In Michigan, the only entities eligible to apply for such licenses are casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act (MGCRA) or federally recognized tribal casinos.

      ?️‍ See Something, Say Something.
      ? MGCB takes tips about illegal gambling very seriously. 
      ? To report suspected illegal activity in Michigan, email MiGamblingTip@michigan.gov or call 888-314-2682.
      You can remain anonymous. 

      ? More info at https://t.co/pwYd6lWucB pic.twitter.com/OiOhrmu1ix

      — Michigan Gaming Control Board (@MichiganGCB) August 20, 2024

      Furthermore, the MGCRA explicitly prohibits any entity from offering gambling activity without an MGCB license. The Act outlines severe penalties for violations, including the potential for felony charges punishable by up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $100,000, or both.

      The broad scope of the Michigan Penal Code also plays a critical role in this case, as it bans all forms of gambling that involve the elements of consideration, prize, and chance. The law is clear that accepting money or anything of value in exchange for the opportunity to win based on the outcome of an event based solely on chance is illegal without proper authorization.

      Given the seriousness of these violations, the MGCB has provided One Country with a 14-day window to take corrective actions to prevent Michigan residents from accessing its gambling-related services. Should One Country fail to comply with the cease-and-desist order, the MGCB has indicated its readiness to collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue further legal measures. This could include seeking injunctions or other court-ordered remedies to halt One Country’s operations in the state.

      Get Weekly Email Updates

      Covering all aspects of regulated U.S. online casinos, iGaming, sweepstakes, and more

      Related Posts

      Vixio internet casino revenue forecast

      Report: iGaming Revenue In Americas To Match Europe By 2028

      Tribal Groups Address Report On ‘Controversial’ California Sports Betting Discussion

      high school football

      Florida Lawmaker Wants To Pay High School Coaches With Sportsbook Revenue

      digital map

      High 5 Casino Signs With Xpoint For Geolocation Tech

      Recommended Read

      slots magnet

      Features

      Clean Sweep: Advantage Players Have Found Edges In Sweepstakes Casinos

      There’s More…

      texas house of representatives

      News

      Texas Gambling Legalization Prospects For 2025 Looking Bright, Insiders Say

      October 10, 2024

      Erik Gibbs

      microscope study

      News

      Massachusetts Commission Kicking Off Study Of iGaming And Its Public Health Impacts

      The MGC has submitted two RFPs in an effort to more closely explore the iGaming ecosystem and to research AI's role in gambling.

      September 9, 2024

      Erik Gibbs

      Ohio arrow sign

      News

      Ohio Joins Growing List Of States To Issue Cease-And-Desists To Prediction Market Operators

      March 31, 2025

      Eric Raskin

      sold sign

      News

      Sportradar Buys Up XLMedia’s North American Operations

      October 21, 2024

      Brett Smiley

      Get Weekly Email Updates

      Covering all aspects of regulated U.S. online casinos, iGaming, sweepstakes, and more

      • About
      • Contact
      • Privacy
      • Terms
      • Disclosure
      • Responsible Gaming

      © 2025 Casino Reports. Web Design by Fhoke.