The Michigan Gaming Control Board will receive $1.9 million in additional funding from the Michigan legislature as part of its $82.5 billion spending plan for the 2025 fiscal year.
According to the state gambling regulator, the nearly $2 million endowment will support the addition of 14 full-time equivalent jobs.
The MGCB also announced it will increase funding for responsible gambling resources by $3 million.
The latest round of funding has the MGCB in a strong position to expand its already impressive regulatory prowess in one of North America’s leading iGaming jurisdictions.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor 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 it’s regulatory efforts,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a press release.
Should Governor Gretchen Whitmer sign the bipartisan budget agreement into law, the MGCB expects the allocation of funds to take effect at the start of the state FY2025 budget calendar year (October 1, 2024).
MGCB returns favor, increases contributions to local RG programs
The MGCB wasted no time giving back to local responsible gambling programs after receiving a cash infusion of its own.
As such, the board is doubling its contributions to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and its associated programs. This particular lot of Michigan responsible gambling resources will now receive $6 million in funding from the MGCB.
The increase in proceeds from online casino and sports betting funds will go towards improving a variety of causes, including:
- The 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline, operated by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
- Gambling research and education for the state’s youth
- Existing treatment options to assist those with gambling addiction and related problems
While the MGCB’s commitment to responsible gambling is already well-documented, Williams said his team can always do more.
“The MGCB’s increased contribution, from $3 million to $6 million, to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund demonstrates our proactive approach towards responsible gaming,” Williams said. “Together, we are safeguarding the integrity of the industry while prioritizing the well-being of Michigan citizens.”
MGCB also pours additional funding into award-winning RG campaign
Moving from external to internal programs, the MGCB announced that it will pour another $3 million from its FY2025 budget into its homegrown award-winning “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gambling messaging campaign.
The program has been nothing short of a resounding success since its inception in March of 2023. Overall, the collaboration with Michigan-based King Media has earned seven digital marketing awards.
Its most recent honor, a PRNEWS Digital Award, came earlier this year.
With its latest financial commitment, the MGCB certainly feels its title program is capable of reaching even greater heights.
