Henry Williams
MGCB Adopts 1-800-GAMBLER as Statewide Problem Gambling Helpline
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced new efforts to streamline access to help by promoting 1-800-GAMBLER as the state’s primary problem gambling helpline. Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) is the largest problem gambling helpline network in the world by call volume, population served and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.
Online gaming platform providers operating in Michigan will be required to display the 1-800-GAMBLER number as part of their responsible gaming messages and update any existing listed helpline numbers by Aug. 8, 2024.
1-800-GAMBLER serves as a single, streamlined access point to local services and problem gambling help from anywhere in the US. The adoption of the number by MGCB for use in Michigan helps to move one step closer to consolidating the variety of state-level gambling helplines into one easy-to-remember problem gambling helpline number.
“The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network connects individuals struggling with gambling addiction to trained professionals who offer confidential assistance and resources. By adopting 1-800-GAMBLER as the statewide problem gambling helpline, the MGCB reinforces its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment for players across the state by ensuring that resources for treatment and recovery can be accessed quickly and easily,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation. Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS). The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling.
“An easily accessible helpline is a vital tool in providing problem gambling support services across the country. We applaud MGCB for taking proactive efforts to address the needs of those affected by problem gambling and for recognizing the significance of promoting 1-800-GAMBLER in Michigan,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director.
Detroit
Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Extends Support for Governor’s Economic Initiatives and State of the State Address
Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Executive Director Henry Williams has issued the following statement after Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her sixth annual State of the State address at the Michigan State Capitol Building this evening, during which she outlined priorities for the year to state legislators and leaders:
“As a native of Detroit, lifelong Michigander and dedicated gaming regulator, I am pleased to express my support for the Governor and her commendable economic initiatives as outlined in her recent State of the State address. Governor Whitmer has demonstrated a sincere commitment to promoting economic growth and revitalizing our great state and Michigan’s gaming industry is a significant contributor to that effort.
“Our commercial and tribal operators are already on a roll in 2024, fueled by momentum from 2023; a year that saw Michigan’s total iGaming and sports betting gross receipts hit a record $2.3 billion. The state continues to receive hundreds of millions of tax dollars from gaming operators and the casinos, which is much-needed funding that goes back into supporting our local communities and their citizens.
“Despite the fact that Michigan only recently launched online gaming three years ago, it has since become an emerging powerhouse and the country’s second leading iGaming market, just ahead of New Jersey and behind Pennsylvania, proving that we’re well on our way to being simply the best.
“It is through the collaboration of government, businesses and communities that we owe our collective success and through which we can achieve continued economic growth and development that creates a better future for all Michiganders. I am proud to be a part of it and pledge my support to collaborate with the Governor and her administration in achieving our shared goals.”
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. 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 and DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to 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.
Compliance Updates
MGCB: Bridgeport Township Raid Yields Numerous Gambling Devices, Thousands in Cash, More Than $180K in Gift Cards Confiscated
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, state investigators executed two search warrants following a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) that yielded the confiscation of six slot-type gaming machines — four of which were Nudgemaster machines, 11 computers, $6306 in suspected gambling proceeds, and $182,430 in Simon Giftcards.
Assisted by special agents from the Department of Attorney General, along with the Bridgeport Township Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Liquor Control Commission, authorities conducted one search at the PlayStation Bar and Grill, located at 6154 Dixie Highway in Bridgeport Township, and a second search at a residence in Goodrich that was associated with the owner of the PlayStation and Universal Video Inc. — a known supplier of Nudgemaster machines.
“Business owners who house illegal, unregulated gaming machines in their establishments are breaking the law, creating opportunities for increased crime in communities, and allowing unnecessary consumer risk to those who use the machines, which do not meet the stringent regulatory requirements needed to ensure fair play. The public is encouraged to contact us if they see a casino-type gaming machine in a restaurant, gas station, or convenience store. We investigate every tip and work hard to protect Michigan citizens from such crime in their neighborhoods,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
The searches in Bridgeport Township and Goodrich were spurred by an anonymous tip submitted by a concerned citizen who saw Nudgemaster casino-style gaming machines at the PlayStation Bar and Grill and suspected illegal gambling was taking place there. MGCB staff investigated and noticed that some of the video slot-type gaming machines were tagged with “Property of Universal Video” stickers. This led them to request the second search warrant at the PlayStation owner’s residence and the location of Universal Video Inc.
“Our department works hand in hand with the Michigan Gaming Control Board in our efforts to shut down illegal gaming operations as a matter of public safety and consumer protection. Illegal gambling diverts revenues from our state and schools, and these operations can pose a danger to their neighborhoods as they typically attract other types of criminal activity,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The PlayStation Bar and Grill owner previously owned a business in Grand Rapids named the Nudgemaster Café that received a cease-and-desist letter in October 2019. No arrests were made following the execution of the search warrants in Bridgeport and Goodrich.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
MGCB Executive Director Williams on Governor Whitmer’s Call for Strong, Healthy Economy
Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams has issued the following statement after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her What’s Next Address at the Lansing Shuffle, during which she outlined priorities for the fall to state legislators and leaders:
“I appreciated hearing Governor Whitmer’s remarks about the health of Michigan’s economy during her What’s Next Address today and her highlighting the need for its continued growth by calling on each of us to do our part to help provide for workers, businesses, and communities.
“Michigan’s gaming industry and its economic impact goes well beyond the entertainment factor everyone knows it provides. It fosters innovation, creates employment opportunities ranging from table dealers to cage cashiers, attracts investments by encouraging small businesses to partner with and provide their goods and services to our casinos and their patrons, and drives economic growth through revenue generated and tax payments made back to the state, as well as contributions made to the School Aid Fund, which directly benefits K-12 students.
“The governor also emphasized the need for a smoother permitting process to help support our economic growth. The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s licensing division has particularly made a concerted effort to improve its licensing application process for gaming and non-gaming suppliers that conduct business with the three Detroit casinos and online operators. In addition, the Board has adopted several resolutions that provide clarification to licensing-related matters, all with an eye toward protecting the public’s interest.
“Like Gov. Whitmer said, ‘we have it all,’ and the MGCB is all in when it comes to Michigan citizens benefiting from our state’s gaming industry and the opportunities it provides.”
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