The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has earned a 2025 Platinum dotCOMM Award—the competition’s highest honor—for its “Mini Me” commercial, part of the agency’s Don’t Regret the Bet responsible gaming campaign. The spot won top recognition in the Social Media Marketing – Use of Video category, honoring creativity and excellence in digital communication.

Developed to reach young adults ages 18-24—a demographic research shows is at heightened risk of gambling-related harm—“Mini Me” combines hand-drawn animation with live-action footage to deliver a lighthearted yet impactful reminder about making smart choices when it comes to gambling. The approachable tone was designed to engage without stigma or judgment, helping the message resonate with its intended audience.

In just six months, the video generated strong engagement across Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Gas Station TV (GSTV), and other digital platforms, including:

• 255,781 impressions

• 149,345 individuals reached

• 13,059 clicks—more than any other ad in the MGCB’s campaign

• On GSTV, 2.2 million+ impressions and a 100% completion rate, surpassing industry benchmarks by 10%

“Winning a Platinum dotCOMM Award underscores the effectiveness of our responsible gaming messaging. The ‘Mini Me’ spot was intentionally designed to speak to young adults in a way that is approachable, relatable, and memorable. This recognition affirms that our message is not only being heard, but also making an impact,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

The MGCB previously earned a Platinum dotCOMM Award in 2023 alongside King Media for the launch of the Don’t Regret the Bet integrated marketing campaign, which continues to expand its reach across Michigan.

Launched in March 2023, Don’t Regret the Bet aims to prevent gambling problems before they start and reduce the number of people in Michigan who develop a serious gambling addiction. The MGCB and King Media have collaborated on a wide range of responsible gaming messages reaching Michiganders across multiple platforms — including broadcast TV and radio, point-of-sale video ads at gas stations, digital billboards, social media, streaming services, and podcasts.

“We’re proud to see the ‘Mini Me’ spot recognized on an international stage. From the very beginning of our partnership with the MGCB, our focus has been on creating work that not only stands out creatively, but also makes a measurable difference in people’s lives. This award validates the power of that mission—and it inspires us to keep pushing forward in our shared commitment to prevent problem gambling before it starts,” said Coleen King, president and founder of King Media.