Michigan Senate Bill Proposes Responsible Gambling Education Be Taught In Schools
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A bill with bipartisan support was recently introduced in Michigan to educate teenagers about the potential dangers of gambling.
Senate Bill 54, proposed by Sen. Joseph N. Bellino Jr. (R-Monroe), aims to incorporate responsible gambling education into the school curriculum.
The Senate Education Committee has received SB54 for review and evaluation.
SB54 would bring responsible gambling education into Michigan schools
By July 1, 2024, Senate Bill 54 mandates the state Department of Education to create a suitable program on gambling addiction, tailored to different grade levels and age groups. This program will be accessible to school districts and public-school academies.
Bellino stated in a press release that due to the rise in popularity of mobile betting apps and the legalization of online sports betting in more than 30 states, teenagers are facing challenges related to gambling addiction. The press release also highlighted that a significant number of young individuals do not perceive gambling as a risky activity, resulting in a higher percentage of high school students experiencing gambling problems compared to adults. Bellino mentioned that his bill has received support from both political parties and aims to address this escalating issue by educating students about the genuine risks associated with gambling.
The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that approximately 60 to 80% of high school students have engaged in gambling for monetary purposes within the previous year.
According to the NCPG, a notable percentage of high school students, specifically 4-6%, are categorized as being addicted to gambling.
According to EarthWeb, approximately 6% of college students in America struggle with gambling problems.
Similar to their education on the risks of drugs and alcohol use, SB54 aims to provide high school students with an education on the dangers of gambling.
Bellino stated that in addition to teachers warning students about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol, it is imperative for them to also educate students about the severe ramifications of gambling addiction.
MGCB also pushing for responsible gambling education
The Michigan Gaming Control Board is advocating for responsible gambling to be included as the fourth essential component of education, alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic.
The MGCB launched a Responsible Gambling campaign last autumn, urging parents, siblings, and peers to recognize the indicators of teen problem gambling. These signs include:
- Transporting items used for gambling, such as dice, cards, or poker chips.
- Taking risks with funds designated for educational purposes by engaging in gambling activities.
- Engaging in gambling instead of attending class or participating in other school activities.
- Obtaining, pilfering, and trading belongings in order to acquire funds for gambling.
In order to enhance responsible gaming programs, the MGCB successfully secured extra funding for the fiscal year 2024. This enabled them to broaden their resources and bolster their dedicated staff members working on RG initiatives.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s Executive Director, Henry Williams, has recently informed Michigan Gaming that the board is preparing to launch a public-facing program to enhance their responsible gaming outreach efforts and expand its reach.
Some Michigan retail casinos allow 18 year olds to gamble
All 15 online operators in Michigan require individuals to be at least 21 years old to participate in online gambling.
Nevertheless, numerous tribal retail casinos impose varying age restrictions, with some allowing entry for individuals as young as 18, thereby encompassing high school seniors.
Michigan casinos that allow individuals 18 and older.
- Bay Mills Casino, Brimley
- Island Resort Casino, Harris
- Leelanau Sands Casino, Peshawbestown
- Manistee’s Little River Casino Resort
- The Kewadin Casinos are located in the towns of Christmas, Hessel, Manistique, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Ignace.
- The name of the casino resort located in Watersmeet is Northern Waters Casino Resort.
- The names of the casinos are Ojibwa Casinos located in Baraga and Marquette.
- The casino located in Standish is called Saganing Eagles Landing Casino.
- Mount Pleasant is home to the renowned Soaring Eagle Casino Resort.
- Turtle Creek Casino, Williamsburg
In Michigan, there are casinos that strictly enforce a minimum age of 19 years old.
- Odawa Casino, Petoskey
National ban on sports betting advertising proposed
The proliferation of online sports betting and iGaming across the nation has sparked considerable debate regarding the advertising of online gambling.
Federal legislation seeking to change that was introduced this week by Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY).
Similar to the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, the Betting on our Future Act aims to prohibit all forms of online and electronic advertising related to sports betting.
Tonko’s proposed legislation centers on the potential harm that advertisements promoting sports betting pose to young adults.
“In the period following the legalization of sports betting by the Supreme Court, there has been an excessive proliferation of advertisements, as betting companies spend billions to ensure their presence on screens nationwide,” Tonko stated in a press release. “These advertisements present a particularly perilous danger to adolescents and young adults who may be unaware of the risks associated with gambling, as well as individuals who are susceptible to addiction.”
According to Forbes, the sports betting advertising expenditure in 2024 surged by 80% to reach around $1.8 billion, compared to the previous year. The report further projects that by 2024, the advertising spending in this sector is expected to reach $2.9 billion.