UPDATED: Michigan’s Problem Gambling Calls Have Nearly Doubled. But Is Online Gambling Truly To Blame?

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(Editor’s note: This story has been revised to include the most recent and reliable problem gambling statistics provided by the state of Michigan.)

In February, several reports revealed a significant surge of six times in calls to the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline compared to the corresponding month in 2020.

Michigan residents were able to bet on the Super Bowl from their phone or play slot machines on their home laptop for the first time in February 2021, as online gambling had just been launched on January 22nd.

Connecting the two is reasonable, and it is undeniable that an increase in gambling exposure will eventually lead to problem gambling concerns.

However, according to the manager of the Michigan Problem Gambling Treatment Program, we have not reached that stage yet.

Furthermore, the numbers were incorrect, regardless.

563 gambling-related hotline calls in first month

In February of this year, the problem gambling helpline received a total of 563 calls related to gambling issues. Multiple sources confirm that in February 2020, the helpline received 93 calls, as stated in the initial reports.

According to Lori Mello, the director of the state’s problem gambling program, the recent increase cannot be solely attributed to online gambling at this time, as she informed Detroit’s FOX2.

Mello expressed the need for caution regarding online gambling, emphasizing that its consequences will arise in the future. However, he clarified that the notion of receiving more calls solely due to online gambling is untrue.

Mello pointed out that a significant portion of the 1,312 calls received in February were unrelated to issues related to problem gambling.

According to Mello, individuals often misunderstand the term “problem gambling” and mistakenly assume it refers to issues with the website, their gambling techniques, or the game itself.

Last week, the Lansing State Journal featured an analysis on problem gambling, which included insights from Michelle Malkin, a doctoral candidate specializing in this subject at the School of Justice in Michigan State University.

Malkin attributed the increase in calls to the surge in online gambling, stating that it is the sole significant change that has occurred in Michigan.

The story was acquired by The Associated Press.

The spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services informed Playinmichigan on Tuesday that the information initially provided to the Journal was incorrect.

The February 2020 number was inaccurately low due to a staffer’s limited definition of “gambling-related calls.” Instead of reporting 93 calls, the correct figure should have been 289. Consequently, the year-to-year increase was almost twice as much, rather than over six times.

Bob Wheaton, the spokesperson, stated in an email that the comparison made was not a fair one, as it did not involve similar situations. He further mentioned that this issue was only recently identified.

The department will inform the outlets, according to Wheaton.

Digging deeper into the hotline numbers

Playinmichigan acquired a comprehensive analysis of call numbers from the Department of Health and Human Services in the state of Michigan.

The March figures indicate the possibility of more concerning news. In just two weeks, hotline operators have already recorded 493 calls pertaining to problem gambling.

Out of the 51 calls received in March that mentioned a particular type of gambling, 11 calls specifically mentioned “internet” gambling.

Out of the total 1,312 calls received by the hotline in February, 123 callers mentioned that they found the hotline number through social media, while 59 callers discovered it through other types of media. The remaining 1,036 calls fell under the ‘other’ category.

Out of the 1,135 calls made to the hotline in March, 122 were recorded as dialing the incorrect number.

Mello: For now, spike in calls not coming from problem gaming

Earlier on Tuesday, Playinmichigan contacted Mello to acquire complete context regarding the numbers, and she subsequently confirmed her stance.

In an email, she mentioned that the majority of the increase in calls is currently unrelated to problem gambling.

Mello stated that the current calls received by the Helpline are primarily related to inquiries about playing online gambling games, technical concerns regarding websites such as FanDuel or DraftKings, and payment methods accepted by these platforms. Currently, individuals are not reaching out to report issues or seek assistance with their online gambling experiences.

I mentioned that I anticipate a shift in the future, where we will start receiving inquiries regarding individuals facing challenges like financial debt, relationship troubles, and work-related issues due to their engagement in online gambling.

Calls, according to Brian Hatch, an advocate for responsible gambling and the host of “All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast,” are a cause for concern regardless of any increase.

After the launch, the Michigan resident noticed several posts on an online forum for problem gambling. It was concerning to see that fellow Michigan residents were already experiencing troubling behaviors.

“Hatch commented on the peculiarity of addiction, stating that it has a tendency to gradually accumulate strength according to its own will.”

Online gambling has also brought exposure to number, treatment

According to experts and industry insiders, the increasing availability of online gambling in Michigan is expected to result in a rise in cases of problem gambling in the future.

However, at present, with no external influences, the current market may also be increasing the visibility of online gambling options. An illustration of this is the promotion of the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline number.

For months, the Playinmichigan Twitter account, boasting over 1,000 followers, has featured the number 1-800-270-7117 in its bio.

The hotline number, 1-800-GAMBLER, is included in all television commercials promoting BetMGM, social media advertisements for DraftKings, and podcast ad reads for FanDuel.

The number can be found in small print, but it is widely available. Anyone seeking one of the initial treatment steps can locate the number to dial.

After its launch on November 1st last year, Tennessee observed a comparable surge of calls across the country. However, in the following months, the number of calls significantly declined.

The online gambling laws in Michigan ensure that the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund receives a guaranteed annual amount of $1 million. Additionally, it is mandatory for all platforms to display the helpline number.

Not all responsible gambling programs experiencing high volumes

The problem gambling number is not indicated by all gambling resources.

The online gambling industry’s specially designed platform has received minimal attention thus far.

Residents in Michigan have the option to participate in the Responsible Gambling Database established by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. This database allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from engaging in online sports betting and/or internet gaming for either a one-year or five-year period.

According to MGCB spokesperson Mary Kay Bean, the program’s applications were made accessible in late February, however, only a total of five residents have submitted their applications so far.

The board is currently evaluating three applications, while two other applications were rejected due to incomplete information.

According to Bean, each operator has their own exclusion tools, and the results of these measures are not included in the MGCB count.

BetMGM among operators joining problem gambling fight

Despite the need for further action, gambling operators are making efforts to address problem gambling.

Major operators announced their initiatives during March, which is recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Included in the group are:

• Gamban has teamed up with FanDuel to provide a service that prevents self-excluded customers from accessing gambling sites.
• Later this year, BetMGM revealed its plans to seamlessly incorporate GameSense into its platform. GameSense is a program by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation that offers inventive resources and assistance for promoting responsible gambling behavior.

Last year, Michael Burke, the president of the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling, expressed his desire for operators to take more substantial action. As a former gambling addict who now advocates for responsible gambling, Burke suggested that an operator should finance the establishment of an in-patient treatment center similar to the successful CORE facility in Shreveport, La.

Much to celebrate in Michigan’s early online gambling days

Since the launch of online gambling on January 22nd, Michigan has experienced a significant increase in tax revenue generated from internet gaming, as well as a high level of interest in online sports betting.

During the initial month of online gambling, which was February, internet gaming operators contributed $14.0 million towards state taxes and payments. Simultaneously, the residents of Michigan placed sports bets amounting to $301.9 million.

In March, the state taxes collected from internet gaming amounted to $35.6 million, while Detroit received $10.5 million in new revenue. The total amount wagered on sports, both online and at Detroit casinos, reached nearly $1 billion.

Michigan lawmakers made the decision to proceed with expanded gambling options, fully aware that there would be consequences. Similar to any addictive behavior, there are inherent risks associated with such financial gains.

State program manager: ‘We’re very hopeful’ when someone calls

The increasing number of hotline calls indicates a rise in problem gambling-related issues. However, it also serves as proof that these issues are being recognized, and that treatment options are becoming more accessible and imminent.

Additionally, Mello pointed out that there is a positive aspect to the surge.

“We are actually filled with hope and genuine joy whenever someone reaches out to us,” Mello expressed to FOX2. “It signifies an opportunity for us to extend our assistance and provide them with hope. Although the challenges persist, we are steadfast in our commitment to offering help and instilling hope in those who seek it.”

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