March is one of the biggest months of the year for sports betting.
However, it is also Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
With March Madness on the horizon, the Michigan Gaming Control Board wants to keep you informed on the responsible gaming tools available to keep wagering fun.
MGCB’s tips for responsible gambling
Along with the aid of the National Council on Problem Gambling, the MGCB is trying to heighten awareness of problem gambling.
“You may be caught up in the excitement of the gaming or sporting event but don’t forget to bet responsibly,” said Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director. “Gambling should be for entertainment, and it shouldn’t come at the expense of meeting your personal or family needs and obligations.”
The MGCB offers the following tips to wager responsibly and safely:
- Set budget and time limits
- Gamble no more than four days per month or once per week.
- Don’t play more than two types of games regularly.
- Before placing a bet, make sure you understand the game.
- Take breaks and think about the time and money you’ve spent.
- Keep wagering affordable and stick to a budget
- Avoid gambling if you are upset, stressed or in an addiction recovery program
- Limit your intake of alcohol or cannabis while gambling
- Don’t count on luck
- Keep it fun
Self-exclusion options for problem gamblers
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling problems, the MGCB offers up a pair of self-exclusion problems.
- Responsible Gaming Database: Choose complete exclusion for one or five years from all Michigan-authorized internet gaming providers, internet sports betting providers or both. Operators and providers may choose to apply self-exclusion broadly, which may prohibit gambling in other states, too.
- Disassociated Persons List: Voluntary signup prohibits visiting the three Detroit casinos for a minimum of five years.
Along with these options, players also have RG tools available to them with each online operator. That can include setting time limits and budget limits that the operator will hold the user to.
If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-800-270-7117. More information on problem gambling resources is available on the MDHHS website.
Senate bill proposing responsible gaming education
Michigan schools could be seeing RG curriculum starting in the fall of 2024 if a Michigan Senate bill gets passed.
Sen. Joseph N. Bellino Jr. proposed Senate Bill 54 last month. That would require the Department of Education to develop instruction on gambling addiction. It would be grade-and-age appropriate and be available to all school districts.
The NCPG has reported that 60-80% of high school students have gambled for money in the last 12 months.
BetMGM changing ads to promote responsible gambling
Earlier this week, BetMGM announced a pledge to prominently feature responsible gaming messaging in its advertising starting March 1.
The advertising campaign will range over television, print, radio and social media ads. It will also be displayed on their apps across the country.
Those going to a BetMGM retail sportsbook can expect to see RG signage as well, including at the BetMGM Sports Lounge at the MGM Grand Detroit.