Michigan regulator given $1.9m to support 14 new full-time equivalent roles
Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and associated programs to receive extra $3m as legislature reaches agreement on state’s fiscal 2025 budget
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has been bolstered by an extra $1.9m in funding to create an additional 14 full-time roles.
Announced on Thursday, June 27, as part of the Great Lake State’s fiscal year 2025 budget, the new positions are deemed necessary to support the MGCB’s internet gaming and sports betting regulatory efforts in what is a rapidly growing market.
The decision has been taken with a view to expand the MGCB’s regulatory abilities and reduce the likelihood of illegal activity in the state.
Alongside the 14 new roles, the regulator accounted for a $3m increase in its contributions to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and associated gambling treatment programs, raising the total to $6m.
The increase is expected to largely go towards the 24/7 gambling disorder helpline, operated by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
Other areas that will benefit from the increase in funding from the MGCB include research and education surrounding gambling, alongside existing treatment options to help those vulnerable to gambling-related harm.
MGCB executive director Henry Williams publicly thanked those behind the decision to increase the number of FTE (full-time equivalent) positions.
He explained: “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 its regulatory efforts.”
Williams added: “Moreover, the MGCB’s increased contribution, from $3m to $6m, to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund demonstrates our proactive approach towards responsible gaming.
“Together, we are safeguarding the integrity of the industry while prioritizing the wellbeing of Michigan citizens.”
The MGCB has confirmed it will commit as much as $3m of its 2025 budget to support the organization’s ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’ responsible gaming messaging campaign, launched in March last year, to advise Michigan bettors on how to play responsibly.
As regards to the additional staff being hired to help prevent illegal gambling, at the end of May the state regulator recently issued Bovada with a cease-and-desist letter instructing its parent company, Harp Media, to ensure no Michigan residents were able to gamble on Bovada.com and Bovada.lv.
Harp was given 14 days to block Michigan residents from accessing its services or risk legal action.
Shortly after, the MGCB was praised by American Gaming Association (AGA) president Bill Miller, who declared: “The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s decisive action highlights that states have the power to protect their residents from predatory, offshore gambling sites and is another important step in winning the battle against the illegal market.
“The AGA applauds the MGCB’s leadership against bad actors like Bovada and urges other states to follow Michigan’s lead.”
Michigan’s commercial and tribal operators generated a combined $239.5m in online gross gaming revenue for the month of May, a 2% increase on April.