[NEWS RELEASE] Michigan Gaming Control Board to receive $50.7M in state budget funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: MGCB-Media@michigan.gov

Michigan Gaming Control Board to receive $50.7M in state budget funds

LANSING, June 29, 2023 — On Wednesday, June 28, the Michigan Legislature reached an agreement on the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which includes $50.7 million earmarked for the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

As part of the agreement, an allocated $3 million of ongoing, annual funding will support the continuation of the MGCB’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming messaging campaign, which launched earlier this year and provides tips and information to Michigan citizens that can help them play it smart and keep gambling from getting out of hand.

“A well-funded gaming control agency is crucial for ensuring fair and honest gaming in the State of Michigan, preventing fraud and illegal activities, and addressing problem gambling,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “I sincerely appreciate the support from Governor Whitmer and the Legislature of a budget that will help the MGCB continue its responsible gaming messaging campaign, support our state’s growing gaming economy, and allow us to grow our team and make investments into efficient systems that help strengthen our mission and integrity while supporting those we serve.”

Additional allocated funding the MGCB will receive as part of the FY2024 budget includes:

• $2.2 million and 16 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions to support new gaming programs.
• $2 million in one-time funding to create an accounts receivable system that is integrated with an existing internal agency database and the state’s financial system, SIGMA.
• $63,000 to begin compensating MGCB board members, who currently serve on an unpaid volunteer basis, for attending board meetings.

The bipartisan budget agreement is now headed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for her consideration and signing into law, with funding allocations expected to take effect Oct. 1, the start of the state FY2024 budget calendar year.

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 Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database. Also, visit DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to help citizens game responsibly.

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. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.

• 2023.06.29-PR-MGCB-FY2024_Budget_Funds.pdf