Michigan Gambling Helpline Calls Up One Year After Online Launch: What Does It Mean?
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Michigan experienced a significant increase in revenue during the inaugural year of online sports betting and online casinos. Nevertheless, this progress also brought forth heightened difficulties for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
In the past year, the gambling and sports betting industry experienced significant growth, attracting a broader range of audiences. This expansion resulted in a notable increase of over $279 million in state taxes. However, alongside these developments, new challenges emerged in the ongoing battle against problem gambling.
After experiencing one of the most significant sports betting events of the year during the Super Bowl, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services acknowledges the emerging obstacles and is actively striving to offer assistance to individuals in need across the state.
As the numbers increase, the MDHHS has formulated a plan to ensure ongoing support and assistance for individuals grappling with problem gambling.
Helpline calls nearly triple, but what does it mean?
Total gambling-related helpline calls have almost tripled since the launch of online casinos and sports betting in January 2021.
The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-270-7117) experienced a significant rise in calls, as indicated by MDHHS data, with numbers increasing from 1,588 in 2020 to 4,463 in 2021.
According to Playinmichigan’s observation in May, not every call suggests that the caller is experiencing a “problem gambling” situation. Alia Lucas, a specialist in gambling disorder prevention and treatment program at MDHHS, explains that currently, it simply signifies an increasing interest in gambling within the state.
Lucas stated that he believes more time is required to conclusively determine the impact of new gambling options on the increase in calls to the helpline. He explained that although there has been a rise in calls, many of them are inquiries or questions regarding online gambling platforms. Therefore, what is certain is that there is definitely a heightened interest in gambling. However, Lucas emphasized that regardless of the reason for the call, each one is handled with the assumption that the individual may require information on gambling disorder and ensuring that they have access to such resources if they need treatment or assistance in the future.
Let’s analyze the following statistics: the MDHHS witnessed a growth in Gambling Disorder Treatment Referrals from 295 in 2020 to 420 in 2021, indicating a 70% increase year-to-year. However, it is essential to note that the proportion of referrals in relation to total calls decreased from 18.6% in 2020 to only 9.4% in 2021.
In February 2021, there was a significant increase in helpline calls, reaching its peak at 496. This surge coincided with the first full month of legalized online sports betting and casinos. Following this, referrals hit their highest point in March, totaling 51.
The number of helpline calls experienced a surge once again towards the end of the year, reaching 455 in November and 460 in December. These two figures were only surpassed by the call volume recorded in the previous February.
MDHHS planning over $1 million for responsible gambling
You can reach out to the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline anytime, day or night, either through phone or virtual platforms. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable counselors is always ready to provide prompt assistance for any concerns or challenges associated with gambling disorders.
The hotline is now ubiquitously available due to legal requirements, making it accessible through various platforms such as TV commercials and other mediums.
Lucas clarified that they are not against gambling and do not discourage people from engaging in it. They acknowledge that responsible gambling can be an enjoyable pastime that is widely accepted. Additionally, they acknowledge that many individuals can gamble without experiencing any issues. However, their goal is to raise awareness about the potential for gambling to become problematic and to ensure that individuals are informed about the available support services. If someone finds themselves in need of such services, Lucas emphasized the importance of being able to guide them on how to access them.
The MDHHS has allocated $1.4 million for the fiscal year 2024 (October 2021 to September 2024) to support responsible gambling through advertisements. A portion of this funding, amounting to $1 million, is derived from tax revenue generated by sports betting and internet gaming, as designated by the state’s expanded gambling laws, with each contributing $500,000 towards addressing problem gambling.
Included in the plans:
- For further information, we encourage individuals struggling with a gambling addiction or those affected by the issue within their family to reach out to the helpline or visit Michigan.gov/ProblemGambling.
- The aim is to enlighten both gamers and parents regarding the potential transformation of online gambling into a problematic addiction.
- Michigan’s 14th Annual Virtual Gambling Disorder Symposium on March 3 and 4 is the perfect platform to motivate individuals struggling with a gambling problem.
The MDHHS offers a comprehensive directory of 36 treatment providers specialized in addressing problem gambling. Their respective treatment approaches are also included in the list.
How to know if you are a compulsive gambler?
Gamblers Anonymous offers a set of 20 questions that, in addition to the MDHHS information, can assist in identifying whether you have a gambling issue.
- Have you ever missed work or school because of gambling?
- Has gambling ever caused unhappiness in your household?
- Was your reputation impacted by gambling?
- Have you ever experienced regret following gambling?
- Have you ever resorted to gambling in order to acquire funds to settle debts or address financial challenges?
- Has gambling resulted in a decline in your ambition or efficiency?
- Did you feel the need to quickly return and regain your losses after experiencing a defeat?
- Did you feel a strong desire to come back and win more after your victory?
- Would you frequently engage in gambling until you depleted all your funds?
- Have you ever taken out a loan to fund your gambling activities?
- Did you ever sell something to fund your gambling activities?
- Did you hesitate to use the money intended for gambling for regular expenses?
- Has gambling caused you to disregard your own or your family’s well-being?
- Have you ever extended your gambling session beyond your initial plan?
- Have you ever resorted to gambling as a means to alleviate worry, trouble, boredom, loneliness, grief, or loss?
- Have you ever engaged in or thought about engaging in any illegal activity to fund your gambling habits?
- Has gambling resulted in sleep difficulties for you?
- Does the presence of arguments, disappointments, or frustrations provoke a desire to engage in gambling activities within you?
- Have you ever felt the desire to mark a stroke of good luck with a few hours of gambling?
- Have you ever contemplated self-harm or suicide due to your gambling activities?
First year provides over $1 billion in revenue in 2021
In its inaugural year, Michigan’s online casinos and poker rooms amassed a remarkable $1.1 billion in gross revenue.
The generated revenue additionally resulted in $279.3 million of Michigan state taxes.
In 2021, the state of Michigan recorded a staggering $3.97 billion in wagers from both online and retail sports betting activities. Furthermore, sports betting contributed a substantial gross revenue of $319.5 million throughout the year.
Online sports betting wagers alone contributed a total of $3.7 billion, generating $292.2 million in revenue.
If you or someone you are acquainted with requires assistance with a gambling-related matter, please reach out to the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117, operated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
