The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the regulator of one of the largest gambling markets in America, launched the Don’t Bet on Your Future initiative to protect children from the dangers of underage and problem gaming.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan's regulator noted nearly two-thirds of Americans reported gambling before turning 21.
- A television commercial designed to discourage underage gambling is part of the initiative.
- An upcoming campaign will grant funding for schools and organizations that share MGCB-approved messaging.
The MGCB defines the initiative as a “comprehensive, statewide campaign” dedicated to protecting children from the growing risks in a gambling-acceptant culture.
It builds on the MGCB’s Don’t Regret the Bet campaign, which aims to influence children and adults to make responsible financial decisions when participating in regulated forms of gambling.
“According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, nearly two-thirds of American adults report having gambled before the age of 21 - and young people in Michigan are no exception,” Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, said in a statement. “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.”
Online gambling, including sports betting and online casino, in Michigan is restricted to individuals aged 21 or older. However, several land-based tribal casinos allow visitors who are 18 or older.
Regardless, the MGCB is emphasizing that gambling should be “strictly for adults only.”
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Michigan preaches no youth gambling
Under the initiative, youth booster programs can receive up to $4,000 to support anti-gambling advocacy efforts.
Organizations will be allocated the funds if they share MGCB-approved messaging that warns of the risks of underage gambling across social media, scoreboards, event programs, and school newsletters.
The MGCB also produced a new television commercial aimed at deterring minors from gambling. In it, a teenager attempts to place a bet via their cell phone, only for the surrounding world to fight back at them. The ad closes with the Don’t Bet on Your Future tagline.
Looking ahead, the MGCB will also be launching the Gambling Education and Prevent Grant Program for local schools, colleges, and community organizations. Prospective members may apply before the upcoming school year and, if accepted, would receive grant funding to help establish gambling awareness programs. The programs would focus on Michigan’s gambling industry, mental health and financial ramifications from problem gambling, and support and education.
Michigan’s large, changing gambling industry
Michigan sports betting, retail and online casinos, and lottery and fantasy contests generated the fifth-most commercial gaming revenue of all states in 2025, according to Statista.
The state produced more than $5 billion across all its gambling operations. That was more than $1.5 billion clear of sixth-place Ohio and just under $700 million behind New York, the country's largest legal sports betting market.
The biggest potential change to the state’s gambling industry could be waiting in the state legislature. The House and Senate both passed a budget-related bill last month that directly opposed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed per-bet sports betting tax, like the one seen in Illinois. However, the tax could still come into fruition.
