Michigan regulator nets $7m budgetary funding boost
Great Lakes State legislature signs off on 2023 budget with funding used for responsible gambling causes
Michigan’s legislature has agreed to give the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) a $7m funding boost as part of its fiscal year 2023 budget.
Funding will be used to support a comprehensive responsible gaming messaging campaign across the Great Lakes State in order to direct residents to problem gambling help and outreach to community organizations.
Following its approval by the legislature, the budget passes to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for signature and is expected to take effect from October 1.
“The State of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget created a stable funding source for charitable gaming millionaire party events,” the MGCB confirmed in a press release surrounding the funding.
“This will address capital concerns and ensure the MGCB can continue its current level of service to charities without any increase in licensing fees,” the MGCB added.
In addition to the RG-related funding, the Michigan state legislature approved funding to allow for more MGCB recruitment, IT support and infrastructure to assist with what the MGCB called a “surge of higher than expected” online gaming, betting and DFS.
The funding will increase network storage capacity and network speeds in MGCB casino offices to support operations, including the transfer of large regulatory files.
MGCB executive director Henry Williams was full of praise for the legislature following the funding award.
“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer and the legislature for their leadership and a budget deal that recognizes the crucial role the MGCB plays in ensuring fair and honest gaming in the state of Michigan,” Williams said.
“Our 2023 budget emphasizes investments to help strengthen our mission and integrity, support local charities, and educate Michigan citizens on ways to enjoy gaming responsibly,” he added.
In May, the MGCB confirmed combined igaming and sportsbook revenue of $160.9m, down 1.4% in comparison to April.
Igaming revenue rose 28.8% year on year during May to $127.4m, while gross sports betting revenue was 127.4% higher than the same period in 2021, rising to $33.5m.
Total internet sports betting handle dropped 10.2% month on month to $333.4m.
A total of $24.6m in taxes were paid to the state in May, inclusive of $23.5m in igaming taxes and $1.1m in sports betting taxes.