Michigan regulator calls for responsible March Madness betting

Ahead of March Madness, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has launched a campaign urging residents to adopt personal guidelines for when and how much to gamble during the Division I men’s basketball tournament.

March Madness aligns with the observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This annual event is a public awareness campaign organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling, aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding of problem gambling and related issues.

In order to encourage responsible gambling, the regulatory authorities have advised all players to exercise caution and plan ahead when visiting a casino or engaging in online sports betting activities.

Its recommended strategy is for players to set a specific budget and time limit for their activities, which they can track using the timekeeping features on their phones or watches. By taking these proactive steps, players can help to minimise the risk of developing problem gambling habits and ensure that their participation in gambling activities remains enjoyable and under control.

The player should also see to it that they do not play more than four days in a month or once a week and must not play more than two types of games regularly.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has also recommended that individuals who are experiencing issues with gambling addiction register for a self-exclusion program.

The self-exclusion program is designed to allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from accessing gambling services at casinos, online platforms, and other gambling venues. This program is an important tool in helping individuals take control of their gambling habits and seek assistance in managing their addiction.

Currently, the MGCB offers two self-exclusion programs: the Responsible Gaming Database and the Dissociated Person List. The Responsible Gaming Database is a voluntary program that allows individuals to sign up for a lifetime self-exclusion from all licensed gambling facilities in Michigan. The Dissociated Person List is a program that allows casinos to exclude individuals who exhibit problematic gambling behaviors from their premises for a minimum of five years.

The approach is part of the MGCB’s broader commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring that gambling activities in the state are conducted in a safe and controlled manner.

“You may be caught up in the excitement of the gaming or sporting event, but don’t forget to bet responsibly,” Executive Director of the Michigan Gambling Control Board, Henry Williams, said.

“Gambling should be for entertainment, and it shouldn’t come at the expense of meeting your personal family needs and obligations.”

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