The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has strong regulatory powers in Michigan, which is one of the leading states in online gaming in the U.S. The MGCB will receive an additional $1.9 million from the state legislature as part of the spending plan for the 2025 fiscal year.
14 new employees
The funds the MGCB will receive will support the addition of 14 full-time equivalent staff positions. Michigan online gambling is growing fast, and these positions will help to support the board’s regulatory operations.
If Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs the budget agreement into law, fund allocation could take effect in October 2024. This is the beginning of the state budget calendar year. MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams is grateful to Governor Whitmer and the legislature for their commitment to strengthening the board and its regulatory efforts.
Support for local responsible gambling programs
The MGCB will double its contributions to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and programs associated with it. The fund will now receive $6 million instead of $3 million. The board takes a proactive approach to responsible gambling to protect citizens and safeguard the integrity of the industry.
The increase in proceeds from online gambling and sports betting will go towards improving various causes. One of these is the Department of Health and Human Services’ Gambling Disorder helpline which is toll-free and confidential. It will also support gambling research, education for youth, and help existing treatment programs.
Further funds for the “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign
MGCB will use $3 million from the 2025 budget for its award-winning campaign called “Don’t Regret the Bet.” This is a responsible gambling messaging campaign that started in March 2023. It collaborated with King Media for this campaign, which has been remarkably successful and won a number of awards. It provides information and tips to Michigan citizens to keep their gambling from getting out of hand.
Ongoing changes in Michigan
Michigan takes responsible gambling very seriously and is fully committed to it. A key component of this is to make sure sports betting operators comply with responsible gambling regulations. The MGCB recently sent Bovada, a sportsbook based in Costa River, an official warning to stop accepting customers from Michigan.
The issue of smoking in casinos is another thorny issue that causes ongoing debate. In Michigan, many land-based casinos have indoor smoking and non-smoking areas. Workers argue that this still exposes them to second-hand smoke. They face opposition from interests that believe a smoking ban would be bad for business. Legislation to end indoor smoking at casinos is in different stages in various states across the country, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Laws regulating responsible gambling
By law, online casinos must allow consumers to exclude themselves from being able to place bets. Anyone can place a name on a list for a temporary period or permanently. Michigan law also mandates that iGaming apps must provide links to Responsible Gambling resources.
Apart from the laws regulating them, casinos in Michigan show an increasing commitment to corporate social responsibilities. Why CSR is important is that it not only boosts a brand but can improve employee morale and lead to customer loyalty and retention.