Gambling addiction on the rise. Michigan does less than most states to help
Michigan’s limited gambling‑addiction support is outpaced by its booming online betting industry, raising concerns over rising addiction and debt.Summary
Michigan has seen a surge in online gambling revenue—$624.6 million last year, with $27.1 million in sports‑betting taxes—yet its efforts to curb gambling addiction lag behind other states. The state’s legislature rejected a per‑wager tax proposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and only $9.5 million was allocated to addiction services this year. While Michigan offers a self‑exclusion database for online gambling and a similar list for Detroit casinos, advocacy groups rank the state an F‑ for addiction protections, citing weak safeguards such as allowing credit‑card payments on betting apps and no mandatory cool‑off periods. Experts warn that without stronger regulations—like banning credit‑card use, imposing cool‑off periods, and restricting targeted advertising—problem gambling will likely continue to rise, leading to increased debt, bankruptcy filings, and social harm. The state’s recent legislative proposals aim to tighten advertising rules and protect under‑21s, but broader reforms are needed to match the scale of online betting growth.
(Source：The News Herald)