Calls to Michigan gambling helpline nearly triple in first year of legal betting

In the first year after the state legalised sports betting and online gambling, more than 4,400 calls were made to Michigan’s problem gambling helpline.

US.- In the first year since Michigan legalised sports betting and online gambling, calls to Michigan’s gambling hotline have nearly tripled. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, more than 4,400 calls were made to the helpline in 2021.

That’s nearly triple the number of calls received in 2020, the year before online gambling was approved. Referrals for people to receive gambling treatment grew by 42 per cent from 295 in 2020 to 420 last year.

To talk about problem gambling, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is hosting its 14th annual gambling disorder symposium, “Gambling: the new direction,” virtually on March 3 and March 4.

Online gambling went live in Michigan on January 22, 2021. In the first ten days, online gambling generated $42.7m in revenue. Online casinos and poker accounted for around half the revenue at $29.4m while online sports betting brought in $13.3m.

See also: Michigan sportsbook handle sets fifth consecutive monthly record