Responsible And Problem Gambling In Michigan
Gambling has reached an all-time high in Michigan.
In the state, there are a total of 23 tribal casinos and an additional three commercial casinos situated in Detroit.
During December 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer authorized a series of bills that expanded gambling opportunities in the Great Lakes State. This legislation legalized online casinos, online poker, sports betting, and fantasy sports contests. Consequently, Michigan introduced regulated versions of these gambling activities in early 2021.
The purpose of gambling is to offer enjoyment and amusement; nonetheless, Michigan takes the issue of compulsive and problem gambling very seriously.
On its website, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) keeps an inventory of problem gambling resources.
In compliance with Michigan law, the MGCB and Detroit’s commercial casinos have established a “Disassociated Persons” list where individuals can willingly pledge to never set foot in a Detroit casino for their entire lives.
In Michigan, individuals who wish to be permanently excluded from Detroit casinos can dial 1-888-223-3044 or complete an online application. Nevertheless, a law enacted in October 2020 introduced a provision that permits removal from the exclusion list after a period of five years.
Since 2001, a total of 4,800 applications have been successfully processed, with 216 requests being handled in 2019 alone.
The 24-hour, toll-free helpline for individuals struggling with gambling issues is also operated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and can be reached at 1-800-270-7117.
The MDHHS has contracted trained professionals who organize initial consultations with counselors, offer information on financial assistance, and supervise ongoing treatment as needed.
You can find additional details about the problem gambling helpline on the MDHHS website.
Operators are mandated by the recently implemented online gambling laws in Michigan to furnish details regarding assistance for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Additionally, the state will allocate $500,000 per year to support problem gambling initiatives, with funding sourced from taxes collected from online gambling revenue.
In the following sections, we will delve into the topics of responsible gambling and problem gambling. Michigan residents will find valuable information about the resources accessible to individuals facing challenges with compulsive and problem gambling.
Understanding responsible gambling
The notion of responsible gambling stems from the belief that gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment, and all individuals who partake in it should be aware of the potential risks involved.
Hence, practicing responsible gambling entails adhering to reasonable spending limits and safeguarding oneself from any potential personal harm.
It is important to view winning as an enjoyable extra, while losses should always be manageable within one’s financial means.
In this manner, an evening at the casino or engaged in online casino games will be quite similar to any regular night out.
Individuals who struggle to comply with these principles may face potential risks.
If you find yourself facing financial troubles, strained relationships, employment difficulties, or health issues due to gambling, it is possible that you are dealing with a gambling problem.
All entities in Michigan’s gambling industry, including casinos, online gambling operators, suppliers, and service providers, are dedicated to adhering to the principles of responsible gambling.
In order to achieve that objective, everyone puts in their best effort to:
- Protect vulnerable customers.
- Prevent underage gambling.
- Ensure an equitable gaming encounter.
- Ensure that marketing campaigns are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.
- We ensure a gambling environment that is secure, safe, and dependable.
- Furnish details regarding the potential hazards associated with gambling, as well as strategies to engage in responsible gambling.
Rules for responsible gambling
The MDHHS cautions Michigan bettors that although winning money through gambling is a possibility, it is highly improbable that anyone will consistently profit in the long term.
The MDHHS advises players to focus on playing for enjoyment rather than for financial gain, given the unfavorable odds. If you struggle with gambling addiction, it is recommended to abstain from gambling altogether.
Here are the 12 tips provided by MDHHS to ensure responsible gambling while having an enjoyable experience:
- Remember that gambling is meant for entertainment purposes and not as a means to make money. The chances are high that you won’t end up with a profit, so focus on playing for enjoyment rather than financial gain.
- Entertainment Expenditure: Reframe your perspective on the money spent while gambling – rather than viewing it as lost funds, see it as the price paid for amusement.
- Diversify Your Activities: Don’t limit your leisure time to just gambling. Explore other options like dining out, watching movies, or participating in local sports teams. Taking a break from gambling might even enhance your enjoyment when you return to it.
- Invite your friends: With friends around, everything becomes more enjoyable while ensuring that you all stay in check and don’t go overboard.
- Stay grounded: Avoid risking money that is essential for your daily needs. Believing that gambling will miraculously solve your financial difficulties will only lead to severe complications when your bills become due.
- To prevent any major financial setback, it’s advisable to minimize visits to ATMs as excessive withdrawals can swiftly transform a pleasurable evening into a burdensome situation.
- If you exhaust your funds, it is advisable to stop betting and quit.
- Be Aware of Your Boundaries: This pertains to both finances and time management. Prior to visiting a casino, ensure you have a specific sum of money allocated for entertainment purposes and keep it in your wallet. Once this amount is depleted, it serves as a clear signal to cease gambling. Additionally, it is effortless to lose track of time while engaging in such activities, hence it is crucial to establish a predetermined time limit from the beginning and adhere to it.
- If you lack the funds to gamble without resorting to loans or handouts, it is a clear indication that you cannot afford to do so.
- Remember to take frequent breaks while gambling to make your money last longer. Taking a break from the action will be beneficial.
- Take a moment to reflect: When you’re experiencing stress or depression, the likelihood of gambling excessively increases. It’s crucial to exercise caution during these periods. Instead, consider a more favorable alternative like watching a comedy movie with a friend.
- Exercise caution when consuming alcohol: Complimentary alcoholic beverages offered during gambling activities can lead to reduced inhibitions and impaired judgment. It is crucial to be aware of your alcohol intake limit and strictly adhere to it.
Understanding problem gambling
Compulsive or problem gambling may pose a risk to players who struggle to adhere to responsible gambling principles.
Problem gambling encompasses various behaviors, including engaging in irresponsible and high-risk betting, as well as compulsive betting that negatively impacts one’s personal and professional life.
Problem gamblers frequently exhibit addictive behaviors that harm their finances, employment, and personal connections.
Regrettably, diagnosing problem gambling can pose a significant challenge.
Below is a list of questions that can help you identify signs of problem gambling in yourself, your friends, or family members:
- Are they showing signs of being preoccupied with gambling?
- Do they exhibit secrecy regarding gambling and become defensive when confronted?
- Are bet amounts increased in order to reach the desired level of excitement?
- Are they making unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce, or quit gambling?
- Are they restless or irritable when they are not gambling?
- Are they engaging in gambling as a means of avoiding their problems?
- Are they chasing losses?
- Are they dishonest about the scope of their gambling?
- Are they engaging in criminal activities in order to fund their gambling habits?
- Are they at risk of jeopardizing their relationships, employment, educational pursuits, or future career prospects due to gambling?
- Do they depend on others to alleviate the desperate financial situations resulting from gambling?
Responsible and problem gambling resources in Michigan
If you want to expand your knowledge on responsible gambling or seek assistance for problem gambling, the MGCB and MDHHS are excellent resources to explore.
Furthermore, the subsequent organizations are specifically dedicated to addressing responsible and problem gambling in MI:
Michigan Association on Problem Gambling
The helpline provided by the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling is a confidential one-on-one service, available toll-free, that offers assistance and support specifically for Michigan residents struggling with gambling addiction or compulsive gambling.
You can reach us at 1-800-270-7117.
Health Management Systems of America gambling treatment program
This statewide program for compulsive gamblers and their families is funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Treatment options are provided for individuals, groups, and families.
Gamblers Anonymous
If you are in need of help for problem gambling, Gamblers Anonymous provides local support groups throughout the country, as well as problem gambling literature and additional resources. To locate a meeting in Michigan or to gain further knowledge on problem gambling, you can visit the Gamblers Anonymous website.
NFCC.org
If your finances have been negatively impacted by gambling, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC.org) is a nonprofit organization that offers assistance.
Michigan’s Disassociated Persons List
The list that permits individuals to impose a permanent ban on themselves from licensed Detroit casinos is managed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Recently, a new procedure has been established, providing an opportunity to remove oneself from the list after a period of five years.
For application information, please dial 1-888-223-3044.
Gam-Anon
The Gam-Anon organization caters exclusively to loved ones and companions of individuals struggling with compulsive gambling.
National Center for Responsible Gaming
The primary objective of the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) is to aid individuals and families through their efforts in research support and enhancement of prevention, diagnosis, intervention, treatment, and public awareness strategies.
National Council on Problem Gambling
The nonprofit health agency, National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), provides valuable information pertaining to problem and compulsive gambling.
National resources for responsible gambling
If you are seeking more information, aid, or support regarding problem gambling concerns, the subsequent national organizations are available to offer advice and assistance.
National Council on Problem Gambling
The primary goal of the NCPG is to guide and involve various stakeholders in formulating policies and implementing programs that cater to individuals impacted by gambling addiction.
Therefore, the council acts as a representative at the national level, advocating for programs and services that support individuals with gambling addictions and their families.
The NCPG offers several important programs, such as the National Problem Gambling helpline network, accessible at 1-800-522-4700, and also online through the website ncp gambling.org/chat.
In addition, there is an online peer support forum called www.gamtalk.org that is associated with it.
National Center for Responsible Gaming
The NCRG asserts its exclusive commitment to funding research and promoting awareness of gambling disorders and youth gambling, positioning itself as the sole national organization dedicated to this cause. Additionally, it pledges its dedication to discovering effective treatment approaches.
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on responsible gambling behaviors and discussing gambling with children, the NCRG website is a valuable resource.
MGCB’s Disassociated Persons’ program
The MGCB, in collaboration with Detroit’s commercial casinos, upholds a registry called the “Disassociated Persons” list. It enables Michigan residents to willingly pledge a lifelong commitment to refrain from visiting any Detroit casino.
To impose a lifelong restriction from Detroit casinos, Michigan residents have the option to either dial 1-888-223-3044 or complete an online application.
In October 2020, a law was enacted to provide individuals with a five-year opportunity to remove themselves from the list.
The MGCB has processed nearly 5,000 applications so far, with 216 of them being processed in 2019 alone.
Placing another person on the “Disassociated Persons” list is not within anyone’s authority. Only individuals who wish to be excluded can voluntarily request their own placement.
Licensed Detroit casinos are required to reject bets and withhold gaming privileges from anyone who is on the list.
Remember responsible gambling
Keep in mind that gambling is meant to be enjoyable and provide entertainment. However, responsible gambling practices are necessary in order to maintain this positive experience.
Have fun, but be mindful of keeping your hobby safe. If you or someone you know is facing difficulties or experiencing compulsive gambling, don’t hesitate to seek assistance.
The aforementioned resources are accessible to provide it.
In case you or someone you are acquainted with requires assistance regarding gambling concerns, please reach out to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.