March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Throughout the month, an added focus is put on gaming regulators and operators to promote responsible gaming.
March also happens to feature one of the most-wagered on sporting events of the year in the NCAA Tournament.
So, just how committed are the operators to promoting responsible gaming? Are their RG tools easy to find? Are they reasonably accessible?
BetMGM responsible gambling resources
Web Version: BetMGM has put an effort into promoting Responsible Gaming.
On the home page of the sportsbook, you see an ad for GameSense, its RG system. The ad reads “Know when to call a timeout.”
If you click on the ad, it takes you to the GameSense home page, which is littered with information. Tabs include:
- BetMGM Principles
- Play Better
- Know The Game
- Problem Gambling
- Resources For Families
- State Resources
The site is thorough and complete and is a good starting point for anyone unsure about getting into gambling or that feels they may have a problem.
You can also reach the GameSense page by clicking on the RG logo in the top left of the home page.
Mobile Version: Right from the home page, upon logging in, you can see an RG icon in the top left. Clicking on that will take you to the GameSense home page.
Finding responsible gambling content at DraftKings
Web Version: Upon logging into DraftKings, you can find their Responsible Gaming information on the right side of the top toolbar.
From there, you are taken to their RG page, which provides a full rundown of all the information you need. That includes links to making limits on deposits, wagering and time spent playing. It also has a link for self-exclusion from DraftKings entirely.
DraftKings also offers up links to organizations like:
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Michigan Department of Community Health
- Michigan Gaming Control Board
DK also provides helpful phone numbers to the NCPG, Gambling Anonymous National Hotline and a Gambling Assistance Hotline.
Mobile Version: The RG Page is a little more hidden. You have to click on the profile icon in the top left of the home page. From there, scroll down the menu until you find “Patron Protection Center.” Click on it, which will take you to the RG Page.
FanDuel RG content
Web Version: At the home page, you can immediately notice some RG content in the top right corner.
“GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-270-7117” is listed next to a RG symbol. Clicking on the symbol takes you to FanDuel’s Responsible Gaming page.
To the left, FanDuel lists all the different sections, including user tools, deposit thresholds, parental controls and more.
The home page of the RG section also provides links for a timeout and the FanDuel support team. Below that is a video that features RG Ambassador Craig Carton. The 1:11 video provides tips for responsible gaming.
Mobile Version: On the mobile app, the RG presence is much less noticeable.
To find the information, you need to click on your account icon in the bottom right, which is listed by the dollar amount in your account.
From there, you will see a list of different sections. Responsible gaming is a slight scroll down, below the promotions option. You are also provided with a “set user limits” option below RG. The RG section is the same as the web version, just laid out slightly differently.
Caesars responsible gaming information
Web Version: Caesars has a clear Responsible Gaming icon on the top right of the home page. It is spelled out and includes a RG shield.
That brings you to Caesars Responsible Gambling page.
Like DraftKings, you can find links to organizations like the NCPG and Gamblers Anonymous. It also has a link to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Caesars page runs down myths about gambling, risks of gambling and signs of gambling disorders.
While they also run down the RG options a user can take, they don’t link directly to how to set them. Instead, it’s more of direction as to what to do.
One notable error is that Caesars lists a link to Michigan’s self-exclusion list, but the link is incorrectly written and only takes you to the State of Michigan home page.
Mobile Version: In the mobile version, you must click on your profile to bring up a menu.
Located below Caesar Rewards, My Account, Preferences and Bonuses, you can find the Responsible Gaming section.
BetRivers responsible gambling resources
Web Version: The Responsible Gaming section is pretty easy to spot. Atop the home page is a menu bar that includes RG.
One click takes you to the RG information page.
Unfortunately, outside of an RG section listed up top, the rest of the page is more about player protection services like passwords, escalation issues, account statements and account restrictions.
Even the RG section of the page lists suggestions more than solutions. There are limited links and information in regard to how to actually set exemptions or limits for yourself.
It also notes up top that the page hasn’t been updated since Nov. 17, 2020. Not ideal.
Mobile Version: In the mobile app, you need to click on the three dashes in the top left of the home screen. That lists the different sections, with Responsible Gaming sitting on top.
The mobile section is a little more detailed than the web version. It has more links and focuses on action RG protection tools like self-exclusion and cool down options.
Golden Nugget RG messaging
Web Version: Golden Nugget is one of the few operators to not have a RG icon anywhere to be found on the home page.
In order to get to info, click on “My Account” along the right end of the page. There, a list appears that has “Responsible Gaming” at the bottom.
Click on that will bring up three options:
- Gaming Limits
- Cool Off
- Self Exclusion
Clicking on each option brings up a pop-up window that walks you through utilizing each protection tool.
While getting to that point took a little effort, using the tools was quite easy and efficient once there.
Mobile Version: Golden Nugget’s mobile app has a much different layout than the web. However, getting to RG information is pretty similar.
Click on the three-dash icon in the top right of the home page. That opens up a list of different sections. Included a scroll down is Responsible Gaming, which includes links for Limits and to Cool Off. Both selections take you directly to the source to put on protections.
Responsible gaming messaging at Sports Illustrated
Web Version: Michigan’s newest online operator lists an RG icon on top of its home page, but is somewhat inconspicuous.
The RG section for Sports Illustrated is actually more of a player protection page. Responsible gambling information is listed below section on protection for minors, password security, and account and betting history.
While SI does provide links to the NCPG and MGCB, it doesn’t link to setting limits. Instead it provides directions on how to do it on other areas of the site. The data is thorough, but taking the user right to the location would be a helpful addition.
Mobile Version: On the home page of the app, click on your profile icon in the top right. From there you will scroll down to a list that has “Responsible Gambling” below the likes of Sports History, Account Statement, Transaction History and Upload Documents.
Clicking on RG will take you to the same page features on the web version.
Finding responsible gambling content at other Michigan online gambling sites
Michigan has a total of 15 different online sportsbook and online casino operations.
All have RG information available, which is linked below.
Some RG pages are easier to find than others, some are easier to use than others.
But, it’s important that online operators continue to promote and update their responsible gaming content to best help Michigan consumers.
If you or anyone you know needs help with their gambling-related issue, call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
