Michigan’s gambling market is thriving. Players have an unparalleled number of options for playing popular casino games, placing bets on sports, or enjoying the offerings at a retail casino. 

With legal gambling, there of course comes an element of risk. One such risk is the real possibility of problem gambling. Michigan—like many other states with legal gambling—has a wide variety of available programs and initiatives to promote responsible gambling and prevent problem play. 

On this page, we’ll cover the basics of responsible gambling, including tips, and resources available.

To understand responsible and problem gambling initiatives, it first helps to know the basics of the market. In Michigan, there are 26 online casinos. Three of those casinos are commercial properties in Detroit. The remaining 23 casinos are operated by tribal organizations. 

Additionally, Michigan allows various forms of online gambling, including online casinos, online sports betting, and daily fantasy sports contests. All of those formats came to the state’s regulated market in 2021, following 2019 legislation signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

Now, Michigan is a bustling marketplace for online and retail gambling alike. That means there’s plenty of entertainment to be had in the state. It also means the state makes many efforts to curb problem gambling and help players enjoy these options responsibly.

The main reason it’s essential to understand Michigan’s gambling landscape is that problems with gambling come in as many forms as the gambling options themselves. 

Players who have difficulty stopping play or walking away may be at risk for problem gambling. Thinking about gambling constantly even when you’re not actively wagering can be another sign. Chasing losses with consecutively bigger bets is yet another signal that gambling could be problematic. 

Make sure you brush up on signs of problem gambling and stay aware of possible habits that could require outside help. 

Some other things to look for to identify problem gambling include:

These aren’t all the signs, but they can be helpful in identifying whether you or someone you know has a gambling problem.

These terms are related, but not exactly the same. 

Responsible gambling is a concept that aims to promote gambling as a stream of entertainment. Responsible gambling means playing within your means, stopping when you’re no longer having fun, and not allowing gambling to become a problem. 

Problem gambling, in many ways, is exactly what responsible gambling aims to prevent. Problem gambling at a high level is the experience of a gambler who has trouble stopping, displays addictive behavior, and has difficulty curbing their gambling activity.

Most responsible gaming programs, resources, and initiatives are united by a single concept: defining gambling as an entertaining pastime. To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with spending a few dollars here and there on slots, sports betting, or any number of other gambling formats, so long as they’re legal and you’re of age. Responsible gambling relies on the idea that gamblers should only risk what they’re comfortable losing, and they should stop when they exceed their limit and/or stop having fun. 

If you have issues stopping, or if you find yourself adding more money after a string of losses, you might be at risk. 

Michigan online gambling platforms and retail properties are committed to mitigating such problems, and the state has many projects in place to assist in this goal.

Michigan has a dedicated list for people who wish to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling at the state’s casinos. This is called the Michigan Disassociated Persons List. You can call 1-888-223-3044 to inquire about the application process. There’s also an online packet with resources and application information to get you started. 

This only works for retail casino properties. There is also a process for removing yourself from the list, but it can take five years or longer. 

The Michigan Association on Problem Gambling runs a free and completely confidential helpline that offers individual help to problem gamblers. The number for the hotline is 1-800-270-7117. 

Health Management Systems of America has a Michigan-specific gambling treatment initiative that offers help and support not only to problem gamblers but to their families as well. 

There are also many national resources available for problem gamblers, including those in Michigan. Here are some of the biggest organizations you can reach out to for help:

If you’re interested in gambling but want to reduce your risk of problem gambling, it helps to keep a few key tips and tricks in mind.

If you lose money while gambling, don’t increase your bets to try to win that money back. Chasing losses is a slippery slope that can lead to even bigger deficits. If you lose money and feel like you want to win it back, that’s a good sign you should stop. 

Whenever you gamble, you should expect to lose. This way a win is a pleasant surprise, but a loss is just a normal entertainment cost, similar to the price of a movie ticket or a night out with friends. 

In other words, gambling should be fun, and it shouldn’t be a way for you to make money or achieve financial goals. 

Alcohol and other drugs can cloud your judgment. It’s totally fine to enjoy a few drinks at the casino or out at the bar while betting with your friends. However, make sure you don’t overdo it, because you may make gambling decisions you regret later. 

If you’re going to a casino, we recommend taking out the exact amount of cash you’re willing to lose. When it’s gone, consider hanging up your hat for the night. Trips back to the ATM typically don’t end well at a casino.

The same goes for online gambling. Deposit what you’re comfortable betting, and don’t reload your account until you feel ready to enjoy gambling as entertainment again. 

If you’re gambling online, set your phone down or set app timers to prevent overuse. At a retail casino, take a break from play and enjoy the property’s other amenities for a bit. Breaks can help you curb playing too long and put things in perspective. 

Ask yourself every so often whether you’re still having fun. If gambling has started to feel like a grind or you’re feeling angry, it’s a good time to stop.