News Release: Planning, responsible gaming tools help bettors keep control during March Madness, says Michigan Gaming Control Board

Contact: Mary Kay Bean, beanm1@michigan.gov

For Immediate Release:

Planning, responsible gaming tools help bettors keep control during March Madness, says Michigan Gaming Control Board

Detroit, March 14, 2022 – Plan your March Madness wagering to keep control and avoid overshooting your means by using responsible gaming tools found on every online sportsbook website or app licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

“Betting should be entertaining and fun, and anyone can game responsibly by making a plan to curb how much is wagered on March Madness or at any time,” said Henry Williams, MGCB executive director. “A bettor can take control by setting limits on the gaming platform on deposits, wagers and the time spent on every site authorized in Michigan.”

Bettors can find resources to limit or exclude themselves under the responsible gaming section or help section on each authorized operator’s or provider’s website. The self-imposed gambling limits on deposits, wagers and time spent can be changed only with 24 hours’ notice.

To self-exclude completely, a bettor may visit an individual operator’s or provider’s site or apply to join the MGCB’s Responsible Gaming Database. A bettor can choose a one- or five-year exclusion through the MGCB from all providers authorized in Michigan for online sports betting accounts, online internet casino gaming accounts or both. Operators and providers may choose to apply self-exclusion broadly, which may prohibit gambling in other states, too.

“If you need help controlling your gambling, please take advantage of the various available resources including counseling and treatment if it becomes or is a problem,” Williams said.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers resources for problem gamblers including the 24-hour helpline for crisis intervention and treatment referral and other options including screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups. More information on problem gambling resources is available on the MDHHS website.

In addition to the MDHHS helpline at 1-800-270-7117, the MGCB also lists other problem gambling resources on its website, including the disassociated persons list for self-exclusion from the Detroit commercial casinos.

The MGCB website also provides a list of licensed internet gaming providers to help the public avoid unlicensed sites, which can put patrons at risk for identity theft, deposit losses or unpaid winnings.

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If someone has a gambling problem, please call the state's 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-800-270-7117 or the MGCB's responsible gaming section at  1-888-223-3044. You also may visit the MGCB website at www.michigan.gov/mgcb for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database.

"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."

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• MGCB March Madness responsible gaming FINAL 2022-3-14.docx