Gambling Addiction Resources Available for Michigan Players

Michigan’s online casino industry continues to push new records and has grown to become a substantial part of Michigan’s tax revenue. The increase in popularity of casino gambling, sports wagering, and online gaming comes with added responsibility to provide users with gambling education and addiction programs. 

The state of Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), has created numerous resources for individuals suffering from gambling addiction and several educational programs to inform the public about the harmful side of casino gaming and sports betting. For example, this year, the MGCB introduced a new statewide, multi-media responsible gaming campaign dubbed “Don’t Regret the Bet.” Throughout the month of March, which is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the MGCB promoted a variety of TV, radio, and digital marketing ads sharing the message.

Problem Gambling Hotline

The Michigan Department of Community Health, through the Bureau of Substance Abuse and Addictive Services (BSAAS), runs a helpline available 24/7 for anyone suffering from gambling addiction. The phone number for the MI Gambling Helpline is 1-800-270-7117. Any calls made to the helpline are completely confidential. Callers can rest assured their privacy is secure and they’re receiving help from someone that cares about helping them. Generally, when you call in, they will ask you a series of questions about your habits, how you may be feeling about your gambling, and if you believe you may have a problem that would require more assistance. The MDHHS partners with local communities and treatment providers and can refer you to treatment centers or support groups in your area. They can also refer you to Michigan’s Problem Gambling Diversion Program. 

What is the Problem Gambling Diversion Program? 

Michigan’s problem gambling diversion program is available to Michigan residents struggling with gambling addiction. The program offers a variety of resources and treatment options, including support groups, group therapy, and even individual counseling. The problem gambling diversion program maintains relationships with addiction treatment centers, mental health clinics, and other local organizations to help administer care. 

The Michigan problem gambling diversion program can also work with financial advisors or counselors to help create a more detailed strategy and actual steps you can take to combat problem gambling that’s specific to your situation. Not only do these programs help individuals better manage their finances, but they seek to help Michigan families restore broken relationships. 

Here are some of the resource options available in the problem gambling diversion program:

• Support groups or networks like Gamblers Annonymous. These programs offer ongoing support, encouragement, and accountability, and can provide a sanctuary for individuals in recovery. Having a place where other people are struggling with a similar issue gives vital support to those just starting on their journey to recovery.
• Individual counseling and group therapy are also available as part of the problem gambling diversion program. 

Exclusion of Persons List

The Michigan Gaming Control Board also maintains a self-exclusion list for both online casino gaming and sports betting. According to MGCB’s website, the “Responsible Gaming Database allows a patron to voluntarily self-exclude from all Michigan regulated online gaming or internet sports betting.” The MGCB also maintains a disassociated persons list for Detroit’s three retail casinos, MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, and MotorCity Casino. Players that join the disassociated persons list can request to be removed from the list after five years by submitting a removal request. Individuals can join either of these lists by visiting this link.

Mac Daniel is a writer for PlayOnlineCasino and PlayOnlineSportsBetting. He has experience writing about a wide variety of topics, including healthcare, tourism, non-profit organizations, and most recently casino and sportsbetting news. To check out more of his work, visit: playonlinemichigan.com