The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) provides regulatory oversight of the state’s gaming industry. It ensures fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of Michigan.
What does the MGCB do?
The Michigan Gaming Control Board provides the commercial casinos in Detroit with licensing and regulation. It also licenses and regulates every MI online casino. Licensed online casinos must follow its rules and regulations. Online sports betting operators and platform providers and suppliers also need licensing and regulation by the MGCB. The MGCB is also responsible for regulating pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming. It also has oversight authority over compliance with the tribal compact.
Brief history
In November 1996, Michigan approved a proposal authorizing three commercial casinos in Detroit. In July 1997, the legislature amended the voter initiative with the enactment of the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. The Michigan Gaming Control Board came into being as an autonomous entity within the Department of Treasury. In 2019, the legislature approved sports betting and allowed each land-based casino one online casino. It also legalized casinos owned and operated by federally recognized tribes.
Composition
The executive director of the MGCB is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The MGCB has four separate divisions.
In May 2024, the MGCB’s Executive Director, Henry Williams, celebrated his third anniversary at the MGCB. In May 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed him for a six-year term. During his tenure, he has helped to improve the organization’s infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Michigan has brought in $1.26 billion in total wagering taxes during his tenure. As of April 2024, he has overseen the payment of $722 million in gaming taxes to the City of Detroit and $978 million to Michigan’s School Aid Fund.
Responsible gaming
When Williams became Executive Director, he established the Responsible Gaming section. He also instituted community outreach efforts that focused on responsible gaming. The Responsible Gaming section staff reports to him and maintains a statewide Responsible Gaming Database. With customer insights from a database like this, it is possible to offer gambling problem interventions.
Williams helped to secure ongoing, annual state budget funding of $3 million for the ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’ campaign. The aim is to prevent citizens from developing gambling problems before they start. This helps to reduce the number of people in the state who develop a serious gambling addiction.
The MGCB has high standards for online operators, platform providers, and physical casinos. It collaborates closely with them to continue to monitor for compliance. Operators and platform providers have to legally present opt-out options on their sites and give the public the option of a one-year or five-year self-exclusion program.
The MGCB also collaborates with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding problem gambling issues. Brainstorming helps to determine methods to implement tools to address problem gambling.
Cracking down on illegal gambling
The MGCB cracks down on illegal gambling activities to promote a safer and more regulated gaming environment in Michigan. It works to address the increase in online casinos that operate illegally. These illegal gaming sites not only pose a threat to the regulated gaming market, but also to the safety of Michigan citizens who choose to gamble at unregulated gaming sites.