The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has expanded its “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming campaign, inviting high school sports booster clubs across the state to participate in the program.
The initiative gives local athletic programs the chance to receive funding in exchange for promoting responsible gambling messages through sporting events and digital channels.
Participating groups may be able to earn up to $4,000 by running MGCB-approved advertising and awareness materials.
The MGCB said the expansion reflects growing concerns about youth exposure to betting-related content across sports broadcasts, social media and online platforms.
Henry Williams is the MGCB’s Executive Director and said: “Responsible gaming education isn’t just good practice – it’s critical for protecting Michigan’s youth in an era where betting content is everywhere”
He added: “Booster clubs are deeply trusted in their communities, making them ideal partners to reinforce positive behaviors while generating funds for their programs.”
In the announcement, the MGCB notes research conducted by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, which found that one in six parents of teenagers worry their child may be developing a gambling problem.
Studies have also shown that young people frequently recall sports betting advertisements, often encountering multiple promotions each week through television and social media.
The counterpoint to this should be responsible gambling advertising, but the research shows that awareness of responsible gambling tools among young people remains comparatively low.
Under the programme, participating booster clubs will display campaign messaging through a range of channels including digital and social media advertising, event programmes, scoreboards and booster newsletters at school sporting events.
Michigan’s monthly online gambling revenue increased year-on-year by 7.6% in January to $356.3m
