Michigan Gambling Regulator Secures Additional Funding for More Staff

Lawmakers in Michigan dedicated additional funds to the state’s gambling regulator, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). On Thursday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state legislators approved the addition of $1.9 million in funding for the MGCB as a part of the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

The vital funding will support the creation of 14 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions with the gambling regulator. Those roles are going to be vital for the future regulatory activities of the Board, ensuring its effective monitoring of the gambling market, which is one of the fastest growing in the country.

Ultimately, the new positions will strengthen MGCB’s regulatory capacity, enabling the regulator to continue the fight against illegal gambling, bolster consumer protection and effectively monitor betting and online gambling activities in the state.

More Money Dedicated to the State’s Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund

Besides the funding that will increase the MGCB’s capacity with additional staff, legislators also agreed to dedicate $6 million to the state’s Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund.

Some $3 million will fund the MGCB’s Fund and different treatment programs, including the state’s 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline which is currently operated by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. The helpline provides vital support for people who suffer from at-risk or problem gambling.

Additionally, another $3 million within the FY2025 state budget will boost the MGCB’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign. The responsible gambling messaging campaign launched back in March last year and it offers information and tips on how people can better control their gambling.

Henry Williams, MGCB’s executive director, thanked the Governor and state legislators for the vital funding. “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,” he added.

“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 it’s regulatory efforts.“

Henry Williams, executive director at the MGCB

A New Attestation Form Raises Concerns

Another recent announcement in Michigan raised concerns among gambling industry stakeholders. This spring, the MGCB released a new attestation form applicable for licensed sports betting and iGaming operators.

The “Illegal Gaming Attestation Internet Game Content Providers” form likely seeks to combat the illegal gambling sector. The effort comes after recently, the online casino gambling giant, Bovada, complied with Michigan’s cease-and-desist order.

However, the form’s language which is open to interpretation raised concerns. As announced by CasinoReports, Susan Hensel of Hensel Grad P.C., an expert with solid experience in the gambling sector, the new form “does not define every single relevant term, such as what constitutes illegal gambling.”

She argued that the language of the form “requires some interpretation.” This is why Hensel’s advice to operators was to submit their queries to the gambling regulator for clarification.