Michigan Expands Gambling-Blocking Software to Meet Demand

It appears the demand for responsible gambling tools may be higher than expected in the US.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced it will purchase additional Gamban software licenses after nearly exhausting the 100 it ordered just last month. According to the regulator, over 80% of the licenses were claimed within the first two weeks of being offered. As a result, it will now be adding another 100, which residents can claim at no cost.

Gamban’s software blocks users from accessing gambling apps and websites. This helps bettors avoid the temptation to place wagers and has become a crucial tool in the fight to curb problem gambling.

MGCB Acts Quickly to Expand Gamban

The MGCB didn’t take long to approach Gamban to acquire more licenses. While it was surprised at the initial demand, the regulator is determined to ensure the industry-leading software remains available to Michigan residents.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams shared his thoughts in a press release announcing the second purchase.

The response from Michigan residents in the first two weeks of this program exceeded our expectations and speaks to a genuine need in our communities. We acted quickly to secure an additional 100 licenses so that no resident seeking this kind of support is turned away. Michigan is committed to ensuring that the expansion of legal gaming comes with the strongest possible safeguards for the people we serve.

How Gamban Works

Unlike most responsible gambling tools offered by sportsbooks, enrolling with Gamban is a serious commitment.

Those who download the software and sign up, Gamban will begin blocking you from accessing any gambling websites or apps on your device. The software blocks over 100,000 gambling sources, including both regulated and offshore operators. It is intentionally difficult to remove, forcing users to consider the decision rather than falling victim to a moment of weakness.

Gamban now includes blocks for prediction-market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket. 

Are More Americans Embracing RG Tools?

While 100 software licenses may seem insignificant in a market as large as Michigan, it's important to remember that Gamban isn’t for most bettors. Instead, it is targeting bettors who are actively struggling with addiction, which is a far smaller group. However, many of those bettors have also hesitated to pursue an option as drastic as Gamban.

Aside from the constant mental strain of addiction, bettors worry about signing up for such a serious program. Some fear it could impact their credit score (it doesn’t), while others worry that adding their name to Gamban’s records will affect their ability to place wagers after the software is removed.

Michigan’s initial demand for Gamban shows those fears may finally be fading, giving more bettors confidence to address their problem gambling habits.