Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Director Henry Williams credited the legislature and Gov. Grechen Whitmer for expanding his department in the FY25 Michigan budget.
The 2025 budget year covers the 12 months from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. It includes an additional $1.9 million for 14 additional full-time MGCB employees.
MGCB staff members provide oversight and assistance for commercial and tribal casino operations, Michigan sports betting, as well as iGaming in the Great Lakes State.
The Michigan Legislature approved the $82.5 billion FY2025 budget on June 27. Whitmer signed off on the spending package about a month later, on July 24, 2024.
Williams said the added funding will have a positive impact on the MGCB, “the state and well-being of Michigan citizens.” He added:
“Earmarked funds will not only bolster our operational capabilities, but also reinforce our dedication to address compulsive gambling issues head-on. By expanding our team and investing in our prevention and awareness campaigns, the MGCB is taking proactive steps to ensure a safer and more responsible gaming environment for all in one of the fastest-growing US gaming markets.”
Michigan is one of six states that legalized online casino betting. The others are Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Michigan Budget Funds Responsible Gaming
The Michigan Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund will double from $3 million to $6 million in the FY25 budget. Williams said the new money will reinforce his department’s commitment to combating problem gambling and safeguarding Michigan citizens from illegal activity.
Whitmer’s budget also maintains $3 million in funding for “Don’t Regret the Bet,” the agency’s responsible gaming campaign. Williams said the campaign plays a crucial role in “raising awareness, providing support, and educating the public about the importance of responsible gaming practices.”
“I am confident that these financial investments will have a meaningful impact on our efforts to regulate the gaming industry,” he said.
Billions Change Hands Through Michigan Online Gaming
Adding $1.9 million and 14 full-timers to the MGCB budget seems like a surge of bureaucracy, but online gambling is big business in the Great Lakes State.
With 75% of the 2023-24 budget year in the books, online Michigan sports betting generated almost $4.2 billion between October 2023 and June 2024. Michigan collected about $13.66 million in taxes from online sports betting.
Online Michigan casino games — iGaming — produced about $1.7 billion in gross receipts. Internet gaming generated about $307.7 million in state taxes so far in FY24.
June 2023 to June 2024 comparison
Michigan sports betting yielded about $276.8 million in transactions (“handle”) in June 2024. That is up about 19.4% from $227.9 million for the same month in 2023. The state collected $1.13 million in taxes in June 2024 from sports betting operators.
The Michigan iGaming sector produced $183.2 million in total gross receipts in June 2024. The pace is up 19.3% from $151 million in June 2023.
Internet gaming added about $34.4 million in taxes to the state budget.
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