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Michigan Gaming Control Board to Contribute $6M to Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: July 1, 2024 9:03 AM EDT • 1 min 6 sec read.

Detroit Tigers catcher Carson Kelly runs the bases as we look at the details of the Michigan 2025 FY budget money set aside for responsible gambling.
Detroit Tigers catcher Carson Kelly runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Los Angeles Angels. Photo by: Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports.

The Michigan Legislature has agreed to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, including details on funding for the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The budget will allocate $6 million to the MGCB to support responsible gambling throughout the state and $1.9 million to add 14 new full-time equivalent staff members. Responsible gambling is a major focus for states and our best sportsbooks.

The funding

Of the $6 million earmarked for responsible gambling support, the budget assigned $3 million to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund that the MGCB oversees in the Michigan sports betting market. The fund helps support the 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline, which the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services directly oversees. Further funding will go towards supporting gambling research and youth education.

Another $3 million will go towards the “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gambling campaign, which has been running since March 1, 2023. Governor Gretchen Whitmer needs to sign the budget before it takes effect. 

MGCB comments

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 positions, underscoring their dedication to strengthening the agency and its regulatory efforts. Moreover, 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.”

Michigan sports betting apps and retail sites continue to be a healthy source of revenue for the state. The MGCB announced solid monthly revenue in May, even with a lower betting handle, and residents continue to have plenty of Michigan sportsbook promos to choose from.

Written By:
Ziv Chen
Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.