Michigan Wins Award For Responsible Gambling Campaign

The Michigan Gaming Control Board picked up a big win after a recent responsible gambling campaign. 

The Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals has given the regulator a Platinum Hermes Create Award. The group, which evaluates creative work in marketing, awarded the award for the state's “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign and its impact. 

The regulator partnered with King Media to launch the new campaign, which included a massive upgrade to the MGCB’s educational and support resources.

Problem Gambling Drove New Campaign

Like the rest of the US, Michigan has seen a continued spike in problem gambling since legalizing online betting. Several states have struggled to find a solution, but the MGCB decided its efforts would best be spent on providing more resources for struggling bettors. 

In a press release, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams shared the regulator’s thought process behind creating the now award-winning campaign. 

The expansion of this website was about more than adding pages — it was about creating a meaningful public resource at a time when online gambling has become more visible and accessible than ever before. We wanted to ensure Michiganders, especially parents and young people, could easily find trusted information, prevention tools, and support.

MGCB Adds Youth Campaign

While the “Don’t Regret Your Bet” campaign is aimed at players 21+, the MGCB recently added a new component to cover underage betting. It was named the “Don’t Bet on Your Future” initiative and added many new resources to address underage gambling. 

A study on underage gambling from the University of Minnesota helped inspire the new initiative. It revealed that teenagers who bet on sports are four times more likely to develop a gambling addiction. While regulated sportsbooks set their minimum age at 21, advertising on social media is leading many underage bettors to seek alternatives to get in on the action.

While the resources include education and support for struggling young bettors, it also provides help for families affected by the growing issue. 

Funding to Help Fight Underage Gambling

In addition to adding more resources and support, the MGCB’s award-winning campaign also created a new feature for booster clubs in Minnesota. Clubs can apply to the regulator for up to $4,000 to help prevent underage gambling. 

The goal is to help address problem gambling at a local level. The funding can be used to hold local educational sessions that inform teens and adults about the dangers of underage betting. It can also help families from low-income areas find quality support while also providing education that many may not have access to.