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The Michigan Gaming Control Board has launched a new statewide campaign aimed at preventing underage gambling and educating young people about the risks associated with sports wagering and online gaming.
The initiative, “Don’t Bet on Your Future,” expands the MGCB’s existing “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gambling platform with new youth-focused resources for schools, parents, coaches, and students.
Campaign focuses on growing youth exposure
The campaign also includes a statewide television advertisement and a first-of-its-kind booster club program for Michigan high schools.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said the effort is designed to counter the growing amount of gambling content young people see through sports broadcasts, social media, and digital advertising.
“’Don’t Bet on Your Future’ is about building a statewide community of education and prevention.
“We are committed to ensuring the next generation understands the real risks of gambling before they ever place a bet.”
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, nearly two-thirds of American adults reported gambling before age 21, the MGCB noted in its announcement.
The regulator also cited growing concerns about youth exposure to gambling advertisements as legal sports wagering continues to expand nationwide.
Booster club program offers funding opportunities
At the center of the campaign is the new High School Boosters Program, which allows eligible school-affiliated booster clubs to earn up to $4,000 for promoting MGCB-approved responsible gambling messaging.
Booster organizations can display educational content through scoreboards, newsletters, social media posts, game-day programs, and other school communication channels.
The MGCB said the program is intended to use trusted community voices to spread awareness about the dangers of underage gambling.
New commercial targets teenage betting risks
The campaign also debuts a new broadcast television commercial, “Warning Signs.” The ad depicts a teenager attempting to place a sports bet on his phone before the world around him reacts to stop him. The commercial closes with the slogan: “Don’t Bet on Your Future.”
The new initiative builds on Michigan’s broader responsible gambling efforts, including recent updates to the “Don’t Regret the Bet” website that added youth gambling prevention resources and educational tools for parents and educators.
The “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign has proven success, winning several national awards since 2023. Just last month, it won a Gold Shorty Impact Award, which recognizes purpose-driven work across digital and social media that creates meaningful social change.
The state launched legal Michigan online sportsbooks and Michigan online casinos in 2021. Since then, state regulators and lawmakers have increasingly focused on responsible gaming measures and advertising oversight amid concerns about gambling exposure among minors.
