Legislature approves bipartisan deal expanding funding for the Michigan Gaming Control Board

FOFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 5, 2022R IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 5, 2022

Contact: Mary Kay Bean Beanm1@michigan.gov www.michigan.gov/mgcb

Location: Cadillac Place, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., L-700 – Detroit

Legislature approves bipartisan deal expanding funding for the Michigan Gaming Control Board

Detroit, July 5, 2022 – Legislative leaders reached a deal for the State of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget which includes $7 million in additional funding for the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). This deal now heads to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk to await signature and is expected to take effect October 1.

The funding will support a comprehensive responsible gaming messaging campaign, direct citizens to services available for problem gambling, and extend our outreach to community organizations. The State of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget created a stable funding source for charitable gaming millionaire party events. This will address capital concerns and ensure the MGCB can continue its current level of service to charities without any increase in licensing fees.

Additional funding was approved for new MGCB positions and IT support/ infrastructure to assist with the surge of higher-than-expected internet gaming activity, internet sports betting, and fantasy contests. The funding will increase network storage capacity, and network speeds in MGCB casino offices to support operations, including the transfer of large regulatory files.

“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer and the legislature for their leadership and a budget deal that recognizes the crucial role the MGCB plays in ensuring fair and honest gaming in the State of Michigan. Our 2023 budget emphasizes investments to help strengthen our mission and integrity, support local charities, and educate Michigan citizens on ways to enjoy gaming responsibly,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

 "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."