In March 2023, the MGCB launched Don’t Regret The Bet, a dedicated website with resources, tips, and a self-assessment quiz. The campaign has since been recognized with industry awards, including a 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Award honorable mention and a 2026 Gold Shorty Impact Award. MGCB relaunched an expanded version of the site in March 2026 with new sections on recognizing risk factors and supporting a loved one who may be struggling. The MGCB’s dedicated responsible gambling line is 1-888-223-3044.
Michigan Responsible Gambling Resources
Michigan takes problem gambling seriously, and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) oversees responsible gambling programs statewide. Below, we cover every resource available to Michigan residents, how to recognize the signs of problem gambling, and how self-exclusion actually works in this state.
Michigan Responsible Gambling: Quick Facts
- Michigan’s problem gambling helpline (MDHHS) is 1-800-270-7117, available 24/7 and confidential.
- The MGCB’s own Don’t Regret the Bet program has a dedicated line at 1-888-223-3044.
- The National Problem Gambling Helpline’s current number is 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-522-4700 also works). 1-800-GAMBLER is still active and endorsed by MGCB, but is no longer operated by the national council.
- Michigan runs two separate self-exclusion programs: one for online gaming and sports betting (1 or 5 years), and a separate one for Detroit’s physical casinos (the Disassociated Persons List, with a 5-year minimum before you can request removal).
- Every licensed Michigan gaming site is required by law to display a responsible gambling link on every page.
Michigan's responsible gambling programs
Michigan offers several excellent responsible gambling programs, as well as a range of other resources.
Don’t Regret The Bet Program, from the Michigan Gaming Control Board
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) helpline on problem gambling
MDHHS runs a toll-free, confidential, one-on-one helpline for Michigan residents affected by problem gambling, available 24/7 at 1-800-270-7117.
National Council on Problem Gambling
NCPG is the national nonprofit focused on reducing gambling-related harm, offering resources for gamblers and their families. Its National Problem Gambling Helpline is currently reachable at 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-522-4700, available 24/7, free, and confidential. You can also text 800GAM or chat at ncpgambling.org/chat.
Gamblers Anonymous
Like its sister program Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous offers a peer-to-peer 12-step program. Find a Michigan meeting through the Don’t Regret the Bet site or the MGCB’s responsible gaming page.
Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon supports friends and family of people affected by a gambling addiction, offering its own peer support structure separate from the person gambling.
How self-exclusion works in Michigan
Michigan actually runs two separate self-exclusion programs, and it’s worth knowing which one applies to you.
For online casinos and online sports betting, Michigan’s Responsible Gaming Database lets you exclude yourself for 1 year or 5 years. There’s no lifetime option for this specific program, per MGCB’s own FAQ, your name comes off the list automatically once the term you chose expires. Every licensed online operator in Michigan is required to honor this exclusion.
For Detroit’s physical, land-based casinos specifically, Michigan uses a separate program called the Disassociated Persons List (DPL). This one works differently: once you’re on it, you can only apply for removal after a minimum of 5 years, and approval isn’t guaranteed. Adding your name requires an in-person appointment at an MGCB office in Detroit or Lansing.
Both programs require some processing time (MGCB’s own materials cite up to 45 days), so if you’re considering self-exclusion, it’s worth starting the process rather than waiting for a better moment.
Signs of problem gambling
Recognizing these signs early, in yourself or someone you care about, makes it easier to get support before things get harder.
- Obsessive thoughts about gambling, even when you’re not doing it.
- An uncontrollable urge to bet, including repeatedly saying “this is my last bet” without stopping.
- Increasing bet size or risk to chase the same level of excitement.
- Chasing losses by wagering more to try to win back what’s gone.
- Concealing gambling activity or financial transactions from friends and family.
- Financial strain connected to gambling, even if it seems minor at first.
- Noticeable mood swings tied to wins and losses, irritability, anxiety, or despair.
- Strain on personal relationships, including isolation, defensiveness, or dishonesty.
- Denying there’s a problem, which can itself be one of the harder signs to work through.
Tips for responsible gambling in Michigan
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
- Set a budget before you start, and stick to it.
- Keep gambling from becoming a large part of your life.
- Never chase losses by increasing your bets.
- Avoid gambling when your mood is running too high or too low.
Questions worth asking about yourself, a friend, or a family member?
- Do they seem preoccupied with gambling?
- Are they secretive or defensive about it when asked?
- Do they increase bets to chase the same excitement?
- Have they tried and failed to cut back or stop?
- Do they seem restless or irritable when not gambling?
- Are they gambling to escape other problems?
- Are they lying about how much they gamble?
- Is gambling putting relationships, work, or school at risk?
- Are they relying on others to bail them out financially because of gambling?
Michigan responsible gambling FAQ
Start with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services helpline at 1-800-270-7117, available 24/7 and confidential, or MGCB’s Don’t Regret the Bet line at 1-888-223-3044. Both connect you to Michigan-specific support, and neither requires you to have a specific plan beyond wanting to talk to someone.
For online casinos and sports betting, Michigan’s Responsible Gaming Database offers 1-year or 5-year terms, with no lifetime option. Your name comes off automatically once your chosen term expires. Detroit’s physical casinos use a separate program with different rules, a minimum 5-year wait before you can even apply for removal.
Yes, it’s still active and still promoted by Michigan’s own gaming regulator. It’s no longer operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling specifically, that organization’s current number is 1-800-MY-RESET, but 1-800-GAMBLER still connects callers to support.
Yes. You can find Michigan meeting information through the Don’t Regret the Bet website or MGCB’s responsible gaming page.
The Responsible Gaming Database covers online gaming and sports betting, with fixed 1-year or 5-year terms. The Disassociated Persons List covers Detroit’s physical casinos specifically, and works differently, once you’re on it, you can only request removal after a 5-year minimum.
Responsible gambling resources in mobile apps
Michigan law requires every licensed gaming app and website, online casinos and sportsbooks alike, to display a link to responsible gambling resources on every screen, typically in a corner of the page.
Remember responsible gambling
Gambling should be fun and a source of entertainment, and it can only stay that way through responsible habits. Enjoy it, but keep an eye on whether it’s staying in its place. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait to reach out. Every resource above is available right now, and asking for help is never something to be ashamed of.
