Michigan Gambling Helpline Calls Up One Year After Online Launch: What Does It Mean?

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Michigan experienced a substantial increase in revenue during the inaugural year of online sports betting and online casinos. Nevertheless, this surge also posed significant hurdles for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

In the previous year, the gambling and sports betting industry witnessed substantial growth, attracting a fresh influx of participants. This expansion resulted in the generation of over $279 million in state taxes. However, it also presented new challenges in the ongoing battle against problem gambling.

After the Super Bowl, which attracts massive sports betting activity, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the emerging difficulties and is actively striving to offer assistance to individuals across the state who may require it.

Here’s the MDHHS’s plan to expand support for individuals facing problem gambling as the numbers increase.

Helpline calls nearly triple, but what does it mean?

The total number of helpline calls related to gambling has almost tripled since the launch of online casinos and sports betting in January 2021.

The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-270-7117) witnessed a significant rise in calls, as per MDHHS data. The number of calls surged from 1,588 in 2020 to 4,463 in 2021.

According to Playinmichigan’s observation in May, not every call implies that the caller is facing a “problem gambling” situation. Alia Lucas, a specialist in gambling disorder prevention and treatment program at MDHHS, explains that currently, it simply signifies an increasing interest in gambling in the state.

Lucas expressed that more time is necessary before confirming the impact of new gambling avenues on the increase in helpline calls. Currently, there is a rise in calls, but many of them are inquiries or questions about online gambling platforms. This indicates a definite increase in interest. Regardless, every call to the helpline is handled with the understanding that the individual may require information on gambling disorders and access to treatment services in the future.

Let’s take into account the following: The MDHHS witnessed a significant growth in Gambling Disorder Treatment Referrals, rising from 295 in 2020 to 420 in 2021, indicating a 70% year-to-year increase. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the proportion of referrals from total calls decreased to 9.4% compared to 18.6% in 2020.

In February 2021, the number of helpline calls reached its highest point at 496, coinciding with the first full month of legalizing online sports betting and casinos. Following that, referrals reached their peak in March with a total of 51.

The end of the year witnessed a surge in helpline calls, reaching 455 in November and 460 in December. These figures were second only to the numbers recorded in February of the previous year.

MDHHS planning over $1 million for responsible gambling

You can reach out to the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline anytime, day or night, either through phone or virtual means. Skilled counselors with extensive expertise are readily available to offer immediate assistance, specifically tailored to tackle concerns associated with gambling disorders.

The hotline is now present everywhere, as mandated by law, making appearances in various TV commercials and on different platforms.

Lucas clarified that they are not against gambling and do not discourage it, as responsible gambling can be an enjoyable recreational activity widely accepted across the country. They acknowledged that many individuals can engage in gambling without experiencing any issues. However, their aim is to ensure that people are aware of the signs indicating problematic gambling behavior. They want to inform individuals about the available services to help them if they find themselves in such a situation and provide guidance on how to access those services if needed.

The MDHHS has allocated $1.4 million for the fiscal year 2022 (October 2021 to September 2022) to support responsible gambling advertisements. This funding includes $1 million, obtained from the state’s expanded gambling laws, with $500,000 each originating from sports betting and internet gaming taxes, specifically designated for addressing problem gambling.

The plans include:

• If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction or has a family member affected by it, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help. Please consider contacting the helpline or visiting Michigan.gov/ProblemGambling to access valuable information and resources.
• The aim is to raise awareness among gamers and parents regarding the potential transformation of online gambling into a gambling addiction.
• Michigan’s 14th Annual Virtual Gambling Disorder Symposium on March 3 and 4 is the ideal event for individuals struggling with a gambling problem. We strongly urge them to participate and benefit from this valuable opportunity.

The MDHHS offers a comprehensive directory of 36 treatment providers specialized in addressing problem gambling, including detailed information about their treatment approaches.

How to know if you are a compulsive gambler?

Gamblers Anonymous offers 20 questions in addition to the data provided by the MDHHS, aiming to assist in identifying whether you have a gambling problem.

1. Have you ever missed work or school because of gambling?
2. Has gambling ever caused unhappiness in your household?
3. Has gambling had an impact on your reputation?
4. Have you ever experienced remorse following gambling?
5. Have you ever resorted to gambling as a means to acquire funds for the purpose of settling debts or finding solutions to financial challenges?
6. Has gambling contributed to a decline in your ambition or efficiency?
7. Did you feel the need to quickly return and regain your losses after experiencing defeat?
8. Did you feel a strong desire to come back and win more after a victory?
9. Were you frequently involved in gambling until you had no money left?
10. Have you ever taken out a loan to fund your gambling?
11. Have you ever resorted to selling anything in order to fund your gambling activities?
12. Did you hesitate to use funds intended for gambling for regular expenses?
13. Has gambling caused you to neglect your own and your family’s well-being?
14. Have you ever exceeded the planned duration of gambling?
15. Have you ever resorted to gambling as a means to alleviate worries, troubles, boredom, loneliness, grief, or loss?
16. Have you ever engaged in or contemplated engaging in an unlawful action to fund your gambling activities?
17. Has gambling resulted in sleep troubles for you?
18. Are you driven to gamble by arguments, disappointments, or frustrations?
19. Have you ever experienced the desire to mark a stroke of luck with a few hours of indulging in gambling?
20. Has the thought of self-destruction or suicide ever crossed your mind due to your gambling habits?

First year provides over $1 billion in revenue in 2021

In its inaugural year, the online casinos and poker rooms in Michigan accumulated a remarkable $1.1 billion in total revenue.

The aforementioned revenue additionally resulted in $279.3 million in Michigan state taxes.

In 2021, Michigan recorded a staggering $3.97 billion in total wagers, both online and through retail, in the realm of sports betting. This impressive figure translated into $319.5 million in gross revenue for the year.

Out of the total, online sports betting wagers made up $3.7 billion and generated $292.2 million in revenue.

If you or someone you are acquainted with requires assistance regarding gambling-related problems, please dial 1-800-270-7117 to reach the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Helpline.

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