More than a dozen illegal gambling businesses in Michigan, including eight in Southeast Michigan, closed last year after the state dealt them cease-and-desist orders.

The enforcement effort was led by the Michigan Gaming Control Board and Attorney General's office and targeted at businesses fronting as legal redemption gaming hubs but offering games such as video slots without an operator's license, according to a Wednesday news release.

Each of the 14 illegal operations closed to avoid a potential 10-year felony charge, according to officials.

"Illegal gambling can lead to money laundering and other crimes that impact the safety and security of Michigan communities," Richard Kalm, executive director of the gaming control board, said in the release. "Legal gambling is taxed and regulated, and taxes go back into the community as funding for K-12 education. An illegal gambling operation doesn't support the community but instead siphons funds away from it."

The enforcement comes as the gaming control board works to implement legal sports betting at Michigan casinos. On-site sports gambling is expected to be rolled out in time for NCAA March Madness. Online gambling likely won't become reality for another year as regulators work through a more complex rulemaking process.

The businesses hit by the enforcement sweep are:

Macomb County

Jewlz Haven, 66783 Gratiot Ave., Richmond

Spinners 777, 43648 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights

Lucky's Skill Game Café, 66830 Van Dyke Ave., Washington Township

Oakland County

Internet Café, 290 S. Telegraph Road, Pontiac

Lucky's 7160 Highland Road, Waterford

Bingo City, 4443 Dixie Highway, Waterford

Waterford Redemption Center, 3687 Highland Road, Waterford

Washtenaw County

Stoney Creek Internet Café, 2040 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti

The other operations ordered to cease offering illegal gambling games are in Kent, Lapeer and Genesee counties.