Michael Soll Named Next President of ICRG

Michael Soll has been appointed as president of the International Center for Responsible Gaming (“ICRG”) according to a press release from ICRG issued on June 18, 2025. Soll assumes the role from Arthur Paikowsky, who is credited with driving significant growth in the ICRG’s high-quality, peer-reviewed research, helping to reduce player harm, and creating a more sustainable environment for the gaming industry. Paikowsky will remain involved with ICRG as a member of its board of directors.

Soll, who has been an ICRG board member since 2022, brings nearly 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. He began his career as a city planner and social policy analyst before transitioning to finance and hospitality, holding leadership roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Bear Sterns & Co. Soll also held planning and development positions at Hard Rock International and Caesars Entertainment, with a focus on emerging gaming markets. In 2019, Global Gaming Business magazine named him one of its “25 People to Watch.” He most recently served as president of The Innovation Group, a leading research and advisory firm for the global gaming, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.

Mark Lipparelli, ICRG Chair Emeritus, expressed confidence in Soll’s ability to lead the organization noting, “Michael’s background makes him a particularly astute choice to lead the ICRG at this moment. The Innovation Group is perhaps best known for its rigorous industry research measuring the economic and social outcomes of gambling. The appointment of a gaming research expert like Michael gives us decades of first-hand experience balancing stakeholder interests with research integrity and quality. It really puts a point on the current needs of the organization.”

Soll stated, “I am honored and privileged to begin leading the ICRG, whose mission I became passionate about while serving its board of directors. During his tenure, Art and team have instituted transformational changes that create a sustainable future for the organization – I’m excited to build upon Art’s work and help drive significant, high-quality research with actionable results.”

AGA Research Reveals Consumers Know Sweepstakes Casinos Are Gambling

As reported in a news release issued on July 31, 2025, by the American Gaming Association (“AGA”), new research demonstrates that online “sweepstakes” casinos are extensively used by consumers to gamble. Sweepstakes operators are actively targeting players in key states, and by exploiting legal loopholes, they are undermining the integrity of the regulated gaming market.

Data from Sensor Tower, compiled by the AGA, shows that half of all online, real-money casino ads seen by consumers promoted offshore sweepstakes casinos in early 2025. These unregulated operators are focused on advertising in states with large populations.

AGA Vice President of Government Relations, Tres York, added, “These operators present themselves like legal, regulated platforms – but they operate outside the law and regulation. There are few if any responsible gaming tools, no regulatory oversight, and no consumer protections. It’s a dangerous subterfuge that puts players at real risk.”

Despite operating outside the bounds of the gaming market, sweepstakes casinos are widely recognized by players as gambling platforms. In fact, 68% of users state that their main reason for playing is to win real money. This misconception is not an accident, as many of these sites closely resemble legal operators, blurring the lines for consumers and emphasizing the need for clearer regulations and public education.

Key highlights include:

90% of sweepstakes casino users consider the activity to be gambling
69% describe sweepstakes casinos as places to wager real money
80% of sweepstakes players spend monthly, and nearly half spend weekly, without the safety nets offered by regulated operators
The number of monthly sweepstakes casino players is twice as high in states lacking sweepstakes prohibitions

“The data is clear,” remarked York. “Consumers see right through the ‘sweepstakes’ casino facade and they’re calling it what it is: gambling. We look forward to policymakers continuing to enforce their laws and create clarity through new policy measures to protect their residents.”

MGCB Public Meeting Notice Tuesday, August 12, 2025

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has issued a public notice for its upcoming meeting, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Cadillac Place Office, located at 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be accessible via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93523980070 .

To join via telephone, use the information below:

Listen only 646-931-3860
Webinar ID 935 2398 0070

To participate in public comment during the meeting, attendees may submit a Public Sign In Sheet Form to MGCBweb@michigan.com by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday August 12, 2025.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting is available here.

MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Six Illegal Gambling Sites Targeting Michigan Players

As announced in a statement by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), on July 30, 2025, it has sent cease-and-desist letters to six unlicensed online gambling sites who targeted residents of Michigan without authorization by the state. This enforcement action highlights the agency’s continued push to shut down unlawful gambling activity and safeguard Michigan residents from financial risk, identity theft, and unfair play.

The platforms in this enforcement action include Crypto Slots, NitroBetting, NewVegas, Las Vegas USA Casino, Grand Rush Casino, and Slotgard Casino. All were found operating without required licensure, in violation of Michigan’s regulations governing internet gaming and sports betting. Operators who fail to comply within 14 days may face additional legal consequences, including action coordinated with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

MGCB Executive Director, Henry Williams, emphasized, “These sites were attempting to exploit Michigan players while operating outside the law. We take this seriously. When unauthorized operators offer games without regulation, Michigan players are left exposed—and we will not tolerate it.”

He further added, “Unlike Michigan’s licensed operators, these sites offer no consumer safeguards. They’re not held accountable to anyone, and that puts players in a dangerous position.”