Millions Added To Gambling Regulation, Education In Michigan

Running the gray-market offshore gambling beast Bovada out of its borders apparently isn’t enough to satisfy the state of Michigan.

On Thursday, the Michigan Legislature included $1.9 million in its fiscal year budget to fund 14 full-time additions to the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s staff. According to an MGCB press release, the additional personnel will increase the agency’s regulatory capacity in one of the country’s fastest-growing sports betting and online casino markets.

This is bad news for illegal operators, as Michigan already has a well-earned reputation for cracking down on those entities, ranging from international bigwigs like Bovada to gas-station coin-pusher operations in Belleville.

More Problem Gambling Awareness Money

The legislature also earmarked $3 million for the MGCB to continue its award-winning “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gambling public awareness campaign, and it increased its contribution to the state’s Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund by an additional $3 million.

Those funds will be used to enhance the 24/7 responsible gambling disorder helpline operated by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, support gambling research and education for youth about gambling, and continue to provide treatment options to people suffering from gambling addiction.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor [Gretchen] 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,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in the release. “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.”

Photo: Getty Images.