The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken action against OC Media Holdings LLC, operating as One Country Give (One Country) from Fayetteville, Arkansas. The company has been offering monthly membership programs that give entries into online sweepstakes, which have been deemed as unlicensed online lotteries and/or raffles under Michigan law.

In a statement, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stated, “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.”

One Country offers membership tiers ranging from $15 to $75 per month, providing varying numbers of entries into sweepstakes. Entries can also be obtained through one-time payments or the purchase of merchandise. This business model has been found to violate multiple state laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which only permits internet gaming by licensed operators like casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and federally recognized tribal casinos.

The Michigan Penal Code also prohibits gambling involving consideration, prize, and chance, including accepting money based on uncertain events. One Country has been given 14 days to stop its operations targeting Michigan residents or face further legal action in collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Michigan has a history of enforcing its gambling regulations, as evidenced by the recent case with Bovada, which was forced to cease operations in the state. Despite not meeting the 14-day deadline, Bovada stopped accepting Michigan customers by mid-June, following a trend of blocking users in other states such as Colorado, New Jersey, and West Virginia.