MGCB Promotes Responsible Gaming Tools During March Madness
In preparation for the anticipated increase in wagering during the 2022 NCAA March Madness tournament, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) emphasized in a press release the importance of adhering to responsible gaming guidelines and employing responsible gaming tools. The MGCB is urging bettors to “keep control and avoid overshooting [their] means by using responsible gaming tools found on every online sportsbook website or app.”
Reinforcing the MGCB’s commitment to responsible gaming, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams emphasized that “[b]etting should be entertaining and fun, and anyone can game responsibly by making a plan to curb how much is wagered on March Madness or at any time.”
Each authorized operator’s website or mobile application contains resources that allow users to limit or exclude themselves from wagering. Additionally, bettors can self-exclude completely for a one- or five-year term from all online sports betting accounts and/or internet gaming accounts. Patrons can self-exclude through a gaming provider’s website or by applying to join the MBCB’s Responsible Gaming Database. The MGCB also provides a list of licensed gaming providers to ensure patrons avoid unlicensed gaming and unregulated gaming sites.
Additionally, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers resources to address problem gambling. The Department maintains a 24-hour helpline for crisis intervention and treatment referral and provides screening services and referrals to support groups.
Michigan Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Operators Report Combined $145.28 Million in February Total Gross Receipts
As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), Michigan commercial and tribal internet casino gaming and sports betting operators reported a combined $145.2 million total gross receipts in February. February receipt as compared to January 2022 receipts reflect an overall 6.8% drop in revenue.
February internet gaming gross receipts set a new record of $122.78 million, exceeding the previous record set in December 2021 of $121.8 million. Gross sports receipts totaled $22.5 million.
Combined total adjusted gross receipts of $106.61 million were reported for February, including $110.56 million from internet gaming and $3.95 million loss for internet sports betting. Total monthly internet gaming adjusted gross receipts increased, 1.3% higher than January 2022 (is this correct or was it supposed to be 2021).
February’s total handle $398.4 million fell 19.8% when compared with last month.
The operators delivered $22 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during February, with internet gaming taxes and fees contributing $21.6 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $360,354.
The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $6.2 million, with internet gaming taxes and fees contributing $6 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $221,194.
Tribal operators reported making total payments of $2.3 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies according to the MGCB.
When compared to February 2021 results, monthly internet gaming adjusted gross receipts were up 47% and internet sports betting adjusted gross saw a 63.4% increase.
Internet gaming adjusted gross receipts totaled $219.7 million, and aggregate internet sports betting adjusted gross sports betting receipts were $15.2 million for the first two months of 2022.
During February, internet gaming gross receipts were $121.24 million and internet sports betting gross receipts totaled $34.68 million.
During February, 14 operators were authorized for one or both forms of online wagering. Details for each operator’s internet gaming and internet sports betting results are available in tables published on the MGCB website.
An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.
AGA Releases Initial Results of Environment, Social, and Governance Initiative Study
To demonstrate its commitment to diversity and sustainability, the American Gaming Association (AGA) last year launched an Environment, Social, and Governance initiative (ESG) to assess its members’ commitment, set model standards for its members, and to propel the industry forward in its pursuit of responsible and accountable leadership. As part of its efforts to reinforce the importance of greater transparency and accountability, the AGA released earlier this week a compendium that details the efforts of its members as they embrace ESG policies.
In its report, AGA discussed the progress of its members towards the achievement of its ESG goals. To advance sustainability, for example, AGA members have demonstrated a commitment to reducing carbon footprints and deploying alternative energy solutions. Members have also reduced resource consumption by conserving water and electricity.
To bolster support for communities, AGA members have dedicated resources to community revitalization projects that include job creation and local business support. Community investment has also expanded educational and career development opportunities. Additionally, nearly 90% of AGA members support or partner with advocacy or academic groups to promote responsible gaming awareness.
According to the AGA’s report, “As members follow different paths that uniquely reflect their businesses, they are all taking concrete action towards creating positive impact in the communities where they operate and beyond.”
AGA members have embraced diversity, equity, and inclusion by increasing board and management diversity of race, gender, and ethnicity, and by increasing work with diverse suppliers and vendors. Members have also demonstrated their support for racial equality and social justice through philanthropic efforts.
“Many members have created [diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)] taskforces and hosted employee conversations to guide their DEI initiatives,” the report noted. “AGA member companies are actively increasing their robust support of minority- and women-owned businesses.”
In order to promote responsible leadership and gaming, AGA members have instituted efforts to protect customers by investing in responsible gaming programs that follow regulatory requirements. Members are also fostering responsible cultures through employee training on responsible gaming, problem gambling, and human trafficking.
The results of AGA’s flagship study on the ESG efforts of its members are intended to guide the industry towards future advancements in sustainability, community investment, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and responsible leadership. “With the help of industry leaders,” Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA confirmed, “this initiative will only make the gaming industry stronger.”
For more information on the AGA’s ESG assessment visit this website. And to review the specific efforts of AGA members access the AGA’s report here.