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March Madness coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), which serves as an important reminder for bettors to keep their play safe and sane during the most intense month of the year for sports and sports betting. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) provided that reminder on Wednesday afternoon.
This week marks the last few regular season games for many Division I basketball schools, including those in Michigan. Top-ranked programs in the state such as Michigan and Michigan State are expected to make a deep run in March Madness. Michigan State is currently around 26-1 to win the entire tournament, depending on which book you’re looking at, while Michigan is a longer shot at 91-1.
Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, issued a statement on what’s come this month:
“We encourage Michigan residents to enjoy March Madness, but it’s vital that they do so in a way that keeps their well-being a priority.
“Whether you’re placing a bet on the game or participating in other forms of gaming, setting limits and being aware of the risks is crucial to ensuring a healthy experience.”
Michigan schools eligible for March Madness
The MGCB sent out a responsible gambling message in October, after the Tigers beat the Astros in the Wild Card round and the Lions got off to a hot start. It reminded bettors to remain responsible during an exciting period.
The same applies for college sports, too, especially with March Madness quickly approaching. Michigan and Michigan State are huge draws in the Great Lakes State, and rightfully so.
Both schools are ranked in the top 25, and are leading the Big Ten conference. The Spartans currently have the No. 1 seed with a 15-3 record, while the Wolverines are second at 14-5.
March Madness elicits excitement all around country. With Michigan having two schools that can potentially win the National Championship, the stakes are even heightened.
January 2024 handle came in at $601.6 million, which dropped to $415.8 million in February as the NFL season came to an end, despite Super Bowl helping to finish things on a strong note. In previous years, March Madness has typically produced a temporary bounce in betting activity before things begin to settle down for the summer. Total bets increased to $497.6 million last March.
Responsible gambling tools available
The MGCB has always been a huge advocate for responsible gambling in Michigan. It isn’t afraid to issue reminders, as it did last October.
Many Michigan sports betting operators have a responsible gambling section in their apps. PlayMichigan detailed some of the top operators’ resources within the platform.
Most apps contain betting limits, which the MGCB emphasized in its press release. The Board stressed that customers should bet within their means.
The MGCB also provides self-exclusion programs, that last one or five years, for Michiganders to protect themselves. It also promoted the Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER), which is available 24/7 for individuals.
