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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has kicked off a campaign to prevent underage gambling. The campaign, “Don’t Bet on Your Future,” runs in tandem with the MGCB’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” program.
“Don’t Bet on Your Future” includes an array of new features and resources aimed at keeping kids from gambling. The campaign focuses on young people themselves, schools, and families.
Throughout the campaign materials, the responsible gambling message is clear: Gambling is strictly for adults.
The National Council on Problem Gambling says nearly two-thirds of American adults report having gambled before they were 21.
That’s a sobering fact for Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB.
“’Don’t Bet on Your Future’ is about building a statewide community of education and prevention – one that runs through our schools, our coaches, our parents, and our neighborhoods.
“We are committed to ensuring the next generation understands the real risks of gambling before they ever place a bet.”
Inside the campaign
Michigan’s youth gambling prevention program includes a boosters program, a statewide advertising and commercial run, and plans for a grant program.
Youth Boosters Program
The Youth Boosters Program rolled out as part of the “Don’t Bet on Your Future” campaign. The program offers money to high school booster clubs in Michigan. It “invites school-affiliated booster clubs across Michigan to become frontline advocates for youth gambling prevention.”
Booster organizations that participate can earn up to $4,000 when they share MGCB-approved messaging about youth gambling risks through existing channels. Those include social media posts, scoreboards, event programs, and newsletters.
Schools will also receive resources to help parents, coaches, and students understand the risks and prevent underage gambling.
The MGCB encourages booster clubs to visit DontBetOnYourFuture.org to apply.
Commercial and advertising campaign
As part of the campaign, the MGCB produced a PSA, “Warning Signs,” which features a teenager reaching for his phone to place a bet while “the world around him literally fights back.”
The ad closes with the campaign’s tagline.
Gambling Education and Prevention grants
In the fall, the MGCB will launch a Gambling Education and Prevention (GAP) grant program. The GAP initiative will give grants to eligible Michigan high schools, colleges, and community organizations to “establish local gambling awareness education programming.”
The GAP program aims to address youth gambling where kids go every day.
Schools can apply in the summer. More details will be released in the coming months, the MGCB said.
