The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the launch of new responsible gaming tools aimed at helping players manage their gambling limits. With the increasing popularity of online gaming, responsible gambling measures have become more critical than ever to ensure that players are protected from the risks of problem gambling.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is prioritizing the interests of the citizens of Michigan by promoting responsible gambling. Mary Kay Bean, Communications Specialist at the MGCB, stated in a recent interview that “gambling should be a leisure and entertainment activity” and that players should educate themselves on responsible gambling tools available at each operator’s site.
Responsible Gambling Tools Offered by Michigan Online Gambling Sites
These include self-imposed gambling limits like deposit, wager, and time-based options, which can be changed with 24 hours’ notice. The tools empower players to manage their time and money on an online gambling site.
Each operator in Michigan, including BetMGM MI, WSOP MI, and PokerStars MI, offers various responsible gambling tools that can be accessed via the software at any point a player is on its site.
Popular tools include deposit limits, time limits, game type limits, loss limits, and wager limits.
Additionally, each operator offers ways for players to take time away from the tables, such as time-outs, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion. These tools are bite-sized, customizable periods of time where a player can opt to be banned from logging on to that site for the duration of the time-out, cool-off, etc.
The state regulator also revealed that since 2021, over 10,000 Michigan citizens have self-excluded from various online and live gambling platforms.
The Responsible Gaming Database: An Effective Resource for Self-Exclusion
MGCB also launched the Responsible Gaming Database, which allows residents in Michigan to exclude themselves from being able to play on any online gambling site and live casinos. Applying to the MGCB to be added to the database means that a player does not have to go to each site they play on individually to self-exclude. Doing so via the MGCB will blanket ban them across the board for a period of time between one and five years.
The MGCB believes that it is better for a player to exclude via the state rather than via the online gambling site. One potential drawback of pursuing this option is that it may take considerable time to gain approval from the Executive Director of the MGCB, with the process often taking 45 days or more.
Operators and platform providers must offer opt-out options on their sites, but patrons must visit each site individually to self-exclude. The operators and platform providers can offer more options for exclusion times, including lifetime and six months. However, excluding via the state provides a more comprehensive exclusion from all Michigan online gambling sites and live casinos.
The state of Michigan takes problem gambling seriously. It’s committed to providing resources to help those who may be struggling with addiction. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers a 24-hour helpline for crisis intervention, treatment referrals, and other options such as screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups. These resources are designed to help problem gamblers get the help they need to overcome their addiction and get their lives back on track.
Problem Gambling Resources Provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the MGCB
In addition to the MDHHS helpline, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) provides problem gambling resources on its website. This includes a disassociated person list for self-exclusion from the Detroit commercial casinos, which can be a valuable tool for those struggling with addiction. By self-excluding, players can effectively ban themselves from entering a casino and participating in gambling activities.
The MGCB website also lists licensed internet gaming providers to help the public avoid unlicensed sites. Unlicensed sites can put patrons at risk for identity theft, deposit losses, or unpaid winnings. By only playing on licensed sites, players can ensure that their personal and financial information is safe and that they are playing on a fair and reputable platform.
