The Michigan Lottery is turning to a familiar number for responsible gaming support: 1-800-GAMBLER.
The toll-free number is already used by the state’s gaming control board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan. And now, the Michigan Lottery is utilizing the well-known phone number to help bolster its responsible gaming services.
News of the switch was announced this week. Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli said in a press release:
“The Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem.”
1-800-GAMBLER is world’s largest problem gambling helpline
The Michigan Lottery previously used the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-270-7117), which will remain in operation.
However, official platforms and communications will soon transition to 1-800-GAMBLER, the National Problem Gaming Helpline. The 1-800-GAMBLER number is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling and is currently the world’s largest problem gambling helpline network in terms of call volume, population served, and geographic area covered.
The toll-free number connects individuals and families who are impacted by problem gambling with support, referrals, and resources.
The helpline can also be reached via text message (800GAM) or online chat (1800gamblerchat.org). Support staff are available at all hours, 365 days a year, to help with responsible gaming practices.
Michigan Lottery website filled with responsible gaming resources
Additional RG (responsible gaming) links and information can also be found at the bottom of the Michigan Lottery website. And for those who play games online, iLottery responsible gaming tools include:
- Self-exclusion periods
- Daily or weekly deposit limits
- Daily loss limits
- Cool-off periods
- Age verification
- Play history monitoring
Michigan Gaming Control Board takes aim at illegal options
Responsible gaming is just one element of a well-regulated gambling environment. Another facet includes enforcement efforts directed at illegal games.
To that end, the Michigan Gaming Control Board recently sent cease-and-desist letters to Michigan business owners who were operating illegal machines.
A recent release from the MGCB also reminded residents that illegal games create problems for players, including the following:
- No tax revenue is generated for local communities or the state programs funded by gaming
- It’s not possible to ensure the machine’s payout frequency is legitimate
- There is no support for players if they are cheated or suffer unfair outcomes
- Machines may lack oversight and could allow underage or problem gambling to occur
Regulated play provides support for Michigan schools
Thus, playing the Michigan Lottery via an authorized retailer or gaming online with the official mobile app is the best way to do so. The Michigan Lottery is fully regulated and has been generating revenue for Michigan’s schools for over five decades.
In August, Michigan’s online lottery will also be celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
These revenue streams have been a boon for schools in the area.
Overall, the state’s online lottery platform has produced $1.7 billion in total sales, with 1.1 million players having purchased an online game.
Photo by alphaspirit.it via Shutterstock
Graphic from the Michigan Lottery
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