The Michigan Lottery will switch to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, as part of its commitment to promoting responsible gaming.
This news comes after the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) adopted the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline in February 2023.
Key takeaways
- The Michigan Lottery has announced its transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER.
- The transition aims to create unified support for responsible gaming across the state, streamline access to resources, and aid individuals facing gambling-related issues.
- The helpline staff are trained professionals available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Transition aims to unify support across gaming platforms
Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the new helpline will supersede the existing Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-270-7117). It will establish consistency with the state’s MGCB and other online gaming platforms.
Despite the transition, the lottery confirmed that the previous helpline will stay operational.
When Michiganders dial 1-800-GAMBLER, their calls reach the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline is also accessible by:
- Sending a message to 800GAM
- Online chat at 1800gamblerchat.org
Trained professionals staff the contact center available 24/7, 365 days a year. They provide support, guidance, and relevant information to individuals seeking help with problem gambling.
In a Michigan Lottery news release, Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli said: “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.”
Players seeking assistance can easily access support through various channels. The Michigan Lottery website provides support via live chat, text, and a helpline.
A wider range of resources, including counseling and support groups help individuals address gambling-related concerns and adopt healthy gaming habits.
Michigan Lottery pioneers in online gambling safety
The Michigan Lottery made history in 2015 as the first US lottery to earn the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling. This means the lottery has met the highest standards for online gambling safety, following guidelines set by global experts.
To protect players, the Michigan Lottery offers a range of tools like self-exclusion, limits on deposits and losses, and strict age verification. These safeguards help ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment for everyone.
Since its inception in 1972, the Michigan Lottery has placed a high priority on responsible gaming. The lottery has donated $1 million to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services yearly.
These contributions strengthen state-wide campaigns to educate the public about problem gambling and provide necessary treatment options.