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.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken strict action against nine online casinos, issuing cease-and-desist letters for violations of state gaming laws. The affected websites offer a range of casino-style games, such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as betting services for sporting events and horse races.
The following operators have been issued cease-and-desist orders:
BetAnySports (BAS)
CoolCat Casino
Diamond Sportsbook International, d/b/a BetDSI.eu (BetDSI)
Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold)
My Dreams Casino
NonStop casino
Palace of Chance
Xbet Casino
WagerWeb
“These unlicensed operators are not only in violation of Michigan’s laws but also pose significant risks to consumers by offering limited and often unreliable withdrawal options. Our role is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling activities are carried out legally and responsibly. These operators have 14 days to cease their illegal activities or face further legal action,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
The post MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Letters to Nine Unlicensed Online Casinos appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
Week 8/2025 slot games releases
IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell
Playtech’s Bingo Technology Powers Buzz Bingo’s Launch of Innovative Omni-channel Experience
Amusnet Deepens Collaboration with Betano for Exclusive Launch of 20 Wild Goals
BETER names Juliana Querino as LatAm Business Development Manager
Portside Game Assembly: Studios behind Dead Cells, Dungeon Clawler, Dorfromantik, Blasphemous on board and ticket sales for brunch and party launched
Bragg Gaming Announces Preliminary Unaudited Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and 2025 Strategic Initiatives and Guidance
Aristocrat Gaming Begins Expanded Launch of NFL-Themed Slot Machine Franchise with 13-Casino Event in Puerto Rico
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Announces Re-opening of Sportsbook with New, Innovative Technology and Expanded Betting Markets
DNSFilter Data Reveals Dangers to Fake Gambling Sites and Illegal Streaming in Lead Up to Super Bowl LIX
-
gaming2 years agoODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018
