The Michigan Legislature has included in its FY 2025 budget an additional $3 million to fund responsible gambling programs throughout the state, which is double the amount found in the previous budget.
Added Support
Michigan has enjoyed a thriving gaming economy with mobile sports betting as well as iGaming available to all residents 21 or over. Therefore, an increase in funding for the state’s responsible gambling programs, under the auspices of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), was not surprising.
Yet, doubling funding for any government project tends to make headlines, and the increase of $3 million to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and its ancillary programs for a total of $6 million fit that bill. The Michigan Gaming Control Board will disperse those funds to bolster the 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline, as well as tools to educate youngsters on gambling, current treatment options and gambling research.
Raising the Stakes
The MGCB will also receive $1.9 million to fill 14 new positions, which will improve the board’s ability to combat illegal sites from permeating its online sports betting and casino market. Its successful marketing campaign, “Don’t Regret the Bet,” will also be enhanced with the influx of additional funds. The money will be dispersed in October after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs the budget. Once that occurs, the new hires as well as the additional support for responsible gaming programs will go into effect.
Michigan’s mobile sports betting and iGaming markets experienced an 18.3% increase in 2023 with commercial and tribal operators reporting $1.9 billion from iGaming and $420.4 million from digital sports betting for a total of over $2.3 billion. Those operators paid the Commonwealth of Virginia $369.8 million in taxes last year.
MGCB Applauds Legislature
The executives at the Michigan Gaming Control Board were effusive in their praise for the increased funding and lauded the legislators’ efforts to bolster the regulatory body that governs nearly all aspects of online gaming in the Commonwealth.
“The MGCB’s increased contribution, from $3 million to $6 million to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund demonstrates our proactive approach towards responsible gaming. Together, we are safeguarding the integrity of the industry while prioritizing the well-being of Michigan citizens,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
Doubling Down on Integrity
Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams said in a press release, “I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for their commitment to enhancing the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s operations with their support of additional FTE (Full Time Equivalent) positions, underscoring their dedication to strengthening the agency and its regulatory efforts.
The MGCB has recently ramped up its efforts against offshore sportsbooks, sending a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada in May, giving the well-known sports betting site 14 days to comply or face legal action for violations of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. Bovada recently left Colorado under similar circumstances and is also banned in Maryland and New York.
