The Michigan Gaming Control Board has received commendation for its award-winning Responsible Gaming campaign, and it has just secured $3 million in funding for its continued initiatives in 2024. The Don't Regret the Bet campaign was launched in 2023 to get MI residents to gamble responsibly. Despite being a new initiative, it has already earned various awards, including the Platinum Viddy award and the Platinum dotCOMM award, among others.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is proud of the success of the Don't Regret the Bet marketing scheme, a responsible gambling initiative aimed at promoting safe betting practices among Michigan's online casino players. This news comes as the campaign completes its first year and secures $3 million in funds from the state's 2024 budget, ensuring the continuation and expansion of the program's impactful messaging.

A year of responsible gambling advocacy

Unveiled in March, Don't Regret the Bet was designed to encourage Michigan residents to gamble responsibly, particularly as the iGaming industry continues to grow in the state. Partnering with King Media, a public relations firm, the MGCB embraced an aggressive advertising strategy in the media. The campaign has been featured on local radio and TV stations as well as across various social media platforms, reaching a wide audience in the Great Lakes State.

The initiative, which focuses on educating gamblers about the risks associated with excessive wagering, has been widely praised for its effectiveness. By creating relatable, eye-catching content, the MGCB has found success in inspiring awareness around a serious issue, particularly in an increasingly competitive online gambling market.

Award-winning marketing efforts

Despite its relatively short existence, the Don't Regret the Bet campaign has already garnered significant recognition. In 2023, the initiative earned two prestigious awards: in August, it earned the Platinum Viddy Award and in September, it was awarded the Platinum dotCOMM Award, both in the category of best digital marketing campaigns. These awards honor excellence in digital and video communication and web creativity, demonstrating the creative and thoughtful approach that the MGCB has taken in promoting responsible gambling.

The Viddy Award had over 2,500 entries from 17 countries, while the Platinum dotCOMM Award attracted submissions from 33 countries, making the MGCB's victories even more impressive. These accolades demonstrate that responsible gambling campaigns can resonate with diverse audiences and foster meaningful change.

Executives from the MGCB expressed their gratitude for the collaborative efforts between King Media and their own team, noting that the campaign's success was made possible through a shared dedication to player well-being. The strategic partnership has helped the MGCB become a leader in responsible gaming advocacy, setting a higher standard for similar programs nationwide.

A bright future with $3 million in state funding

Looking ahead, the MGCB is preparing to build on the success of Don't Regret the Bet by leveraging the $3 million in newly secured funding. The 2024 budget allocation will be used to produce fresh content for the campaign, including video animations, commercials, social media ads, and website updates. These new materials will expand the campaign's reach across Michigan, ensuring that the message of responsible gambling continues to be a prominent part of the online gaming conversation.

One of the key goals for the upcoming year is to broaden the campaign's coverage and enhance its advocacy efforts, making responsible gaming resources more accessible to Michigan players. The MGCB also plans to invest in its website, DontRegretTheBet.org, where visitors can get additional information on how to gamble responsibly and make use of various self-assessment tools.

The MGCB's expanding role

The Don't Regret the Bet campaign is just one part of the MGCB's broader efforts to regulate Michigan's growing gambling sector. In 2024, the MGCB will receive a total of $50.7 million from the state legislature, which includes $4.2 million in additional funding. This money will be used to hire 16 staff members to support new programs and create an integrated receivable system that aligns with SIGMA, the state's financial system.

For the first time since the MGCB's founding, board members will also be recompensed for going to meetings, receiving a total of $63,000 allocated by the state. This recognition of the board members' work further emphasizes the agency's increasing role in shaping MI's gaming landscape.

As the MGCB continues to evolve, its focus remains on responsible gambling and player protection. The additional funding and resources will allow the agency to remain at the forefront of gambling regulation and advocacy, ensuring that Michigan's online casino players have access to the tools and knowledge they need to gamble responsibly.