Michigan Gaming Control Board Sees State Budget Funds Boost of $50.7M

Article ByDavid Weir

July 4, 2023

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Posted in: Michigan Gambling News, US Gambling News

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is all set to receive a significant raise in funding.

The state’s legislators have agreed on a budget for Fiscal Year 2024 after finishing discussions at the state Capitol in Lansing (pictured) over last week. That deal includes a provision of nearly $51 million for the MGCB.

The funding will enable the regulatory body to continue its oversight of the state’s gambling market and promote responsible gambling.

“A well-funded gaming control agency is crucial for ensuring fair and honest gaming in the State of Michigan, preventing fraud and illegal activities, and addressing problem gambling,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in an official announcement.

Funding Breakdown

The lion’s share of the funding, amounting to $50.7 million, is earmarked for the MGCB’s operational costs.

This will help the regulator maintain its vigilance over the market and ensure that gambling activities within the state are conducted fairly and transparently.

In addition to the general funding, the budget also allocates $3 million in annual funding for the MGCB’s responsible gaming messaging campaign, “Don’t Regret the Bet.”

This initiative began in 2023. It uses a full spectrum of marketing materials — including TV, radio, social media, and billboards — to inform state residents on responsible gambling practices.

Those who get in contact with the MGCB will then be provided with the tools and information they need to keep their gambling habits in check.

The budget also includes provisions for the expansion of the MGCB’s workforce. An amount of $2.2 million has been set aside to fund 16 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. These new hires will support the development and implementation of new programs across the regulator’s various departments.

The MGCB will also receive a one-time funding grant of $2 million. This will be used to create an accounts receivable tracking system for monitoring and scheduling taxes on operators and big gambling winners.

The new system will integrate with an existing internal agency database and the state’s financial system, SIGMA, allowing for more efficient financial management and reporting.

Strengthening the Mission

The budget agreement is now on the desk of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, awaiting her signature.

Once the governor signs the agreement into law, the allocation of funds is expected to be completed by October 1, 2023, marking the start of the state’s FY2024 budget calendar year.

Williams expressed his gratitude for the support from Governor Whitmer and the legislature.

“I sincerely appreciate the support from Governor Whitmer,” he said.

“The legislature of this budget will help the MGCB continue its responsible gaming messaging campaign, support our state’s growing gaming economy, and allow us to grow our team and make investments into efficient systems that help strengthen our mission and integrity while supporting those we serve.”

The funding boost comes at a crucial time for Michigan’s gambling sector. According to the most recent figures from the MGCB, state operators made total revenues of $185 million for May 2023.

That resulted in monthly tax revenues of approximately $40.4 million across online operations, tribal gaming casinos, and the state’s three casino resorts in Detroit.