Last week, the Michigan Legislature reached an agreement to include $50.7 million for the Michigan Gaming Control Board in the 2024 fiscal year budget.
Last year, the MGCB received an additional $7 million in funding for fiscal year 2023. This year, the MGCB is receiving about an additional $4.2 million.
The bipartisan budget heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for consideration to sign into law. Funding allocation would take impact on Oct. 1 as part of the new fiscal year.
What’s included in new MGCB state budget funding
Included in the $50.7 million in fiscal year funding is more than $4.2 million in additional allocated funding. That will cover:
- $2.2 million and 16 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions to support new gaming programs.
- $2 million in one-time funding to create an accounts receivable system that is integrated with an existing internal agency database and the state’s financial system, SIGMA.
- $63,000 to begin compensating MGCB board members, who currently serve on an unpaid volunteer basis, for attending board meetings.
Last year’s additional funding went toward responsible gaming efforts, millionaire parties and jobs and infrastructure efforts.
Don’t Regret The Bet receives annual funding
As part of the new budget, an annual $3 million will be allocated to supporting the MGCB’s “Don’t Regret The Bet” campaign.
“A well-funded gaming control agency is crucial for ensuring fair and honest gaming in the State of Michigan, preventing fraud and illegal activities, and addressing problem gambling,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “I sincerely appreciate the support from Governor Whitmer and the Legislature of a budget that will help the MGCB continue its responsible gaming messaging campaign, support our state’s growing gaming economy, and allow us to grow our team and make investments into efficient systems that help strengthen our mission and integrity while supporting those we serve.”
“Don’t Regret the Bet” is the MGCB’s problem gambling awareness media campaign. The MGCB launched a website DontRegretTheBet.org as part of the campaign.
Including in the site is tips and a fact sheet for responsible gambling. It also includes resources for further problem gambling help, as well as an interactive quiz to assess if one is at risk for problem gambling.
If someone has a gambling problem, please call the state’s 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-800-270-7117 or the MGCB’s responsible gaming section at 1-888-223-3044.
