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State of Play
- Michigan is moving to tighten regulations on gambling and sports betting advertisements with the introduction of two new Senate bills.
- These measures aim to establish a unified statewide framework that ensures the responsible and truthful promotion of online gambling and protects younger audiences.
Senate Bills 713 and 714, introduced on Nov. 13 by Sen. Erika Geiss and supported by a bipartisan group, propose comprehensive regulation of all Michigan online casino and sports betting ads in the state.
Both bills require pre-approval of ads by the Michigan Gaming Control Board to ensure they are not false, misleading, or targeting individuals under 21. They also mandate the display of responsible gambling disclaimers and the inclusion of the state’s gambling helpline number.
Local governments would have the authority to impose reasonable restrictions on public gambling signage, provided these do not conflict with state law.
Penalties for violations range from fines to license revocation after repeated offenses, with enforcement powers granted to the state attorney general.
Responsible gambling becoming top priority in Michigan
These bills could significantly reshape the advertising landscape by ensuring that marketing is both transparent and responsible. Operators will need to adapt their promotional strategies to comply with stricter oversight and approval processes, which may lead to increased operational diligence.
The emphasis on protecting underage individuals and promoting problem gambling resources reflects broader national trends toward responsible gaming.
Local governments gaining some control over gambling ads may also lead to variations in advertising visibility across regions within Michigan.
Should these bills pass, Michigan will set a precedent for tight regulation of gambling advertising that other states might follow. This action highlights the industry’s shift toward prioritizing responsible marketing and consumer protection amid the expanding online gambling market.
Based on reporting by Brendan Sanders for the Huron Daily Tribune.
