Michigan Gaming Control Board Urges Safe Gambling Practices

Online casino gaming and mobile sports betting debuted in Michigan in January, giving players greater access to gaming in addition to the land-based casinos across the state.

But even with more opportunities to wager, it’s still important to remember to gamble responsibly, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the gaming control board is reinforcing the importance of safe gaming practices.

“Because online gambling is new to Michigan, we’re seeing heavy marketing and lots of excitement,” said Richard S. Kalm, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director. “There are many online gambling opportunities, and I hope Michigan residents are being careful about their choices and know their options if gambling is or becomes a problem for them.”

There are options problem gamblers can take to curtail their betting urges. Online gaming and sports betting operators have several functions on their sites players can elect to use to limit their gambling, including:

• Self-imposed gambling limits including deposits, wagers and time-based limitations, which can be changed only with 24 hours’ notice.
• Signup options to prohibit establishing an account by visiting certain or all providers’ sites.
• Signup options to exclude oneself from internet gaming and/or sports betting by visiting certain or all providers’ sites.
• Notification on how to apply for the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s Responsible Gaming Database to prohibit establishing any online gaming or sports betting accounts or participating in online gaming and/or sports betting with all providers authorized in Michigan for one year or five years.
• Notification about the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Gambling Disorder Helpline, 800-270-7117.
• Notification about problem gambling resources on the MGCB website.

“It’s important to know operators and providers may apply self-exclusion broadly and limit or prohibit gambling in other states, too,” Kalm said.

The MGCB has a self-exclusion option called the Disassociated Persons List for people looking to ban themselves from Detroit’s three commercial casinos. Problem gamblers can voluntarily sign up on the MGCB website.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also provides a 24-hour helpline for crisis intervention and treatment referral and other options, including screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups.

How to set limits online

The limits section for each online operator can be found under your account information. Here you can set deposit and wager limits, in addition to setting time limits for how long you can play.

DraftKings has a responsible gaming tab at the top of its desktop website for players to view.

“At DraftKings it’s all about having fun, and we want it to stay that way,” the DraftKings website says. “It's important to remember that you should only bet what you can afford and always set yourself reasonable limits. But our top goal is bigger than that. From the second you open an account to the moment you get your hands on your winnings; our number one priority is to make sure you're playing safely and responsibly.”