March is Problem Gaming Awareness Month and the mantra of gambling responsibly is resonating throughout the industry. Those participating in Michigan online casino wagering will probably notice a new campaign with just that theme.
On Monday, the Michigan Gaming Control Board introduced a statewide effort called “Don’t Regret The Bet,” which amplifies responsible gaming messages throughout various media platforms.
“Starting in March, Michigan residents will hear and see new public service messages on local TV and radio stations and on popular social media platforms reminding them to enjoy gaming responsibly,” MGCB executive director Henry Williams said in a release. “… The yearlong campaign is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to reach the public with information, tips and tactics promoting responsible gaming.”
Who Is Behind Responsible Gaming Messages
The state Gaming Control Board is teaming with King Media, a company based in Lansing, for ads appealing to customers at Michigan mobile casinos and online sports betting sites. Among the important tips are the need to set limits (and adhere to them) and to think of gambling as a fun form of entertainment.
“We are honored to partner with the MGCB to promote responsible gambling,” Coleen King, president and founder of King Media, said in the release. “Don’t Regret the Bet is a campaign that will have a positive impact on individuals and communities across Michigan, and that aligns perfectly with our focus on meaningful work.”
The campaign will include television and radio spots plus added visibility with video ads at gas stations, social media outlets, digital billboards and more.
Michigan Online Wagering Launched in 2021
When online casino options and Michigan sports betting apps were launched in 2021, the MGCB was quick to also get out the word about Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which is a campaign from the National Council on Problem Gaming.
According to the release, the money for the ads for this year’s campaign came out of the Gaming Control Board’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
The drive to increase awareness also includes a new website, dontregretthebet.org, which has more details and links to resources so bettors can identify and curb problem gaming.
Michigan iGaming and Sports Betting Keep Growing
The campaign comes at a time when Michigan’s gambling markets continue to grow. At internet gaming outlets alone last year, the state recorded more than $1.58 billion in total adjusted receipts on games such as Michigan online slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and more.
The three commercial brick-and-mortar casinos in Detroit combined for another $1.256 billion in revenue for 2022.
The state brought in another $253 million plus in revenue from MI sports betting sites, from more than $4.8 billion in handle (or amount wagered) in 2022. That was a 21.4% increase in handle and a whopping 75.2% rise in online sportsbook revenue from 2021 — granted, the state did not quite have a full year of online wagering the previous year because it launched on Jan. 22, 2021, but the year-over-year comparison still indicates a booming market.
