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Michigan is now entering the next phase of the online gambling industry, a few months after its initial launch. This phase involves ongoing efforts to manage problem gambling and a greater emphasis on promoting responsible behavior.
One of the primary concerns currently faced by Henry Williams, who assumed the role of executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board last month, is the aforementioned issue.
Williams emphasizes that identifying problematic behavior is a top priority for his tenure, and he believes that even though the MGCB is primarily a regulatory body, it can still play a crucial role in this regard.
Playinmichigan had a conversation with the current board president of Detroit Recovery Project, a former social worker, discussing the future direction of the state.
Please contact 1-800-270-7117 if you are experiencing problem gambling in Michigan.
Williams: ‘Problem gambling is serious’
Playinmichigan: Having worked with the gaming control board for over two decades, did your previous experience as a social worker expose you to instances of problem gambling?
Henry Williams: Yes, without a doubt. At present, I am a board member at Detroit Recovery Project, a non-profit organization based in Detroit. Our focus is on addressing various addictions, and we are particularly dedicated to tackling the issue of gambling addiction.
Throughout my career as a social worker, I have encountered various roles such as a protective services worker and a probation officer. These experiences have provided me with firsthand knowledge of the devastating impact of problem gambling on families. One particular case that stands out in my memory is when I worked as a protective service worker. The allegation in this case revolved around the absence of food in a household. To conduct my investigation, I met with the mother involved.
Part of your responsibility involves checking for the absence of food. You search through the cabinets and the refrigerator, but found nothing. I inquired the mother about the availability of funds, any financial resources. Her response was, “Yes, I had $30, and I decided to go to the casino in an attempt to double it.”
Indeed, problem gambling holds significant gravity. Countless individuals and their families endure its detrimental effects, fueling my determination to exhaust every possible effort in aiding these families.
PM: Can you provide your perspective on how the Michigan Gaming Control Board can play a role in addressing problem gambling and promoting responsible gambling?
Homework: I am convinced that the gaming control board plays a significant role. While we are not directly responsible for treating problem gambling, we do have supplementary resources available to offer to the public.
Starting now, one of the main priorities on my mind is to update our programs, particularly our brochures, to reflect the current services offered by the gaming control board for problem gamblers. Additionally, we are planning to produce public service announcements, which will be promoted by the gaming control board, to reach a wider audience.
In addition, I am seeking to enhance our problem gambling team in order to offer speakers for various groups who wish to learn more about the agency’s self-exclusion services.
How additional MGCB money toward problem gambling would work
PM: If we discuss additional PSAs, apart from the ones already released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, would the funding for those come from the budget of the MGCB?
The funding allocated to the DHHS is always guaranteed as per the statute, and they will also be receiving additional funds. We are actively collaborating with them, as well as the (Michigan) Lottery and the attorney general’s office.
Our collective efforts are aimed at achieving a more cohesive strategy for addressing problem gambling in our state. Thus, we eagerly anticipate joining forces with the other agencies in a collaborative manner.
PM: Will the discussions involve only parties from within the state government, or are you considering collaborations with external entities like the private sector (such as gambling operators or licensees) or the Michigan Department of Problem Gambling?
Homework: We will certainly rely on their expertise for certain matters. The DHHS will serve as our link to various services available throughout the state. Our main goal is to ensure that we provide citizens with comprehensive information. This includes informing them about meeting locations for support groups and assisting in identifying any gambling-related issues they may have. Ultimately, our aim is to equip citizens with the necessary tools and resources, while emphasizing that gambling should only be pursued as a form of entertainment.
Attempting to double your money is not advisable. Similarly, using your income, which is designated for essential expenses like rent, mortgage, car payments, and utilities, for gambling is problematic. Our aim is to assist individuals in identifying when they are facing gambling-related issues.
PM: During your regular meetings with other directors of the MGCB, is problem gambling typically a prominent topic of discussion, does it rank high on the list of subjects, or is it seldom brought up?
Homework: The topic we discussed is of utmost importance, particularly with the rise of online gambling and its increased accessibility through cell phones, computers, and tablets. It is a major focus of our conversations and holds top priority for our board chair, Mr. (Robert) Anthony. Recently, we had a conversation about addressing problem gambling as an organization and how we can provide citizens with the necessary information they require.
Campaigns to help recognize gaming issues
PM: In the future, it is expected that there will be a need for what former representative Brandt Iden referred to as “clean-up legislation” in relation to online gambling. This is a usual occurrence when significant policy changes take place. Considering the issue of problem gambling in Michigan, what suggestions do you have for altering gambling laws?
Homework: Currently, we are engaging in discussions with various legislators regarding the possibility of creating an informative material. This material would be shared by each legislator with their respective constituents as part of their updates. It would contain relevant information from the gaming control board regarding problem gambling, which can be included in the literature.
PM: Can you please specify the type of information you are referring to?
Homework: Discovering accessible resources and recognizing signs of problem gambling, particularly among young individuals.
It is our expectation that young individuals refrain from engaging in online gambling. However, unlike commercial casinos, where we can prevent them from entering physical premises, it becomes more challenging to regulate when it occurs online and they have access to someone’s personal information.
However, we aim for parents to possess the ability to identify specific indicators that indicate their children are engaging in gambling activities.
The ongoing work to curtail problem gambling
PM: With the introduction of regulated gambling in Michigan, is it likely that the gaming control board and the attorney general’s office will take action against offshore gambling operators?
Unfortunately, the responsibility for addressing offshore gambling lies with the federal government. However, as the gaming control board, we offer a confidential helpline with an anonymous 800-number. If citizens come across specific activities related to online gambling or notice concerning behavior at commercial casinos, they can contact us through this helpline. We will then relay this information to the appropriate authorities.
We will be convening a meeting with representatives from the attorney general’s office, the Michigan State Police, and the local FBI offices. Our main objective is to enhance information sharing among these entities and collaborate effectively in addressing the issue of offshore and illegal online betting. However, the federal government has highlighted the challenge of dealing with offshore betting due to certain countries that are not supportive or cooperative in assisting the United States in cracking down on these activities.
PM: Is the MGCB monitoring any techniques or practices implemented in other states to address the issue of problem gambling?
Homework: Indeed. A gathering is organized for executive directors from various states in the US to address regulatory matters. Our focus primarily revolves around problem gambling and the initiatives being undertaken in each state. We are exploring numerous promising ideas and aim to implement them within our own jurisdiction.
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