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Michigan Rolls Out New Responsible Gaming Campaign

Michigan Rolls Out New Responsible Gaming Campaign
Mike Noblin
Written by Mike Noblin
March 24, 2023

21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA).

Michigan’s Gaming Control Board introduced a new responsible gaming campaign called “Don’t Regret The Bet,” encouraging the state’s bettors to place their wagers responsibly.

Working with King Media, the MGCB looks to push their message through broadcast TV and radio advertising, video ads at gas stations, digital billboards on all major roadways, and all digital media platforms.

“Don’t Regret the Bet” will also appear at collegiate and professional sporting arenas and stadiums during the campaign’s run.

“Starting in March, Michigan residents will hear and see new public service messages on local TV and radio stations and on popular social media platforms reminding them to enjoy gaming responsibly,” said Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director.

Since March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the MGCB believes introducing the educational campaign could make a big difference, especially as teenagers and adults sit down to enjoy the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. lol

The campaign, slated to run through 2023, offers an opportunity for the MGCB to promote responsible gaming education and information to legal-age gamblers in Michigan.

MCGB Launches Companion “Don’t Regret the Bet” Website

Alongside the advertisements, the MCGB also launched an educational website to inform the betting public. DontRegretTheBet.org provides bettors with a colorful, informative website that offers tips, downloads, and phone numbers to the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline.

Visitors can download literature on problem gambling resources, online responsible gaming tools, a self-assessment for problem gambling, signs of problem gambling for senior citizens, and another list of warnings for parents to identify problem gambling with their teenagers.

The site also contains links to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon, and other helpful resources for individuals struggling with responsible gaming.

A scrolling banner of six tips also greets visitors providing quick educational tidbits about responsible gaming.

The MGCB also keeps a Disassociated Persons List, allowing bettors to place themselves on a voluntary ban list for the state’s non-tribal casinos. According to the MGCB, 214 individuals have put their names on the list.

For online gaming, the MGCB introduced the Responsible Gaming Database. Once an individual places their name on the list, the state governing body notifies all 15 of Michigan’s online casino operators to cancel the player’s account.

The individual controls how long they are on the list with one-year and five-year ban options. Players can also renew the ban once their term expires.

Michigan’s Government Boosts Funding to Combat Teenage Gambling

One of the biggest reasons why states are pushing responsible gaming comes from a spike in teenage gambling. State Senator Joseph Bellino introduced bipartisan legislation to combat the rise in gambling addiction among Michigan’s youngest adults.

Sen. Bellino’s bill looks to create an education program to teach the state’s students about the potential issues caused by problem gambling. If the state approves the program, the Michigan education system could introduce the class to students for the 2024-25 school year.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 4-to-6 percent of 18-21-year-olds have a gambling addiction. The organization also reported that 60-80 percent of young adults have gambled for money over the past year.

Since Michigan offers online casino gaming, the ability for teenagers to sign up for iGaming upon their 18th birthday has never been easier.

Senate Bill 54 has moved to the Senate Education Committee for consideration. If the bill passes out of committee, then both chambers of the Michigan government would vote on the measure before it hits the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Gov. Whitmer’s 2023 Fiscal Year budget approved funding for the “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign, so experts believe the administration would support the educational program.

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21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA).

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