Jim Ananich, MGCB: “My focus is on supporting the board’s mission to maintain integrity and transparency in Michigan’s gaming industry”

Focus Gaming News spoke to Jim Ananich, the newly appointed Chairman of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, who shared details about his priorities in his new role.

Exclusive interview.- At the end of April, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) appointed Jim Ananich as its new chairman. Ananich succeeded Linda Forte and will hold the position until December 31, 2028.

Focus Gaming News spoke to Ananich to learn more about his goals and priorities in his new role. Ananich also provided details about the gaming situation in Michigan, his commitment to responsible gaming, and the gaming regulator’s fight against illegal gaming.

You have been recently appointed chair of the MGCB, succeeding Linda Forte. What are your priorities in your new role?

First, I want to thank governor Gretchen Whitmer for the opportunity to serve as chair of the MGCB and to acknowledge Linda Forte’s outstanding leadership and service. In this role, my focus is on supporting the board’s mission to maintain integrity and transparency in Michigan’s gaming industry. I look forward to working closely with the agency’s executive leadership, staff, and industry partners to ensure strong consumer protections and responsible gaming initiatives.

The state experienced a remarkable increase in revenue from igaming and online sports betting in 2024. What are the forecasts for this year, given the rapid evolution of the market?

Michigan saw record growth in igaming and online sports betting revenue in 2024, culminating in a combined gross receipts total of $2.9bn. As we move into 2025, early indicators suggest that this trend is continuing. For example, March 2025 saw a record-setting $260.5m in igaming gross receipts—a 21.1 per cent increase over the same month last year.

While sports betting revenue has experienced some fluctuations, the overall trajectory remains positive. From my perspective as chair, it’s encouraging to see this growth, and I am confident that the agency’s executive team is working diligently to ensure that this expansion is matched by robust regulatory oversight, consumer protections, and a commitment to responsible gaming.

MGCB has shown a strong commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices. What new resources are you planning to release in the coming months?

The board fully supports the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming statewide. I’m proud to see that the executive leadership team has prioritised several new resources and initiatives for the coming months, including:

• Expanded funding for responsible gaming programmes: The Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes $6m to support responsible gaming initiatives. This includes $3m for the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, which helps sustain the 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline, along with research and education programs for youth. Another $3m will continue and expand the successful “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign.
• Enhanced regulatory capacity: With the addition of 14 new full-time staff positions, the agency will be better equipped to oversee the growing igaming and sports betting sectors, ensuring that responsible gaming practices are implemented across all platforms.
• Ongoing public awareness campaigns: The “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign will continue to provide valuable resources to help individuals make informed decisions about gaming activities.

These initiatives highlight the agency’s commitment to supporting players and promoting a safe, informed gaming environment. As chair, I fully endorse these efforts and look forward to supporting their continued rollout.

What is your analysis of the fight against illegal gambling in the state?

The fight against illegal gambling is an ongoing priority for the agency, and I fully support the team’s efforts in this area. In 2024, the agency removed 206 illegal gaming machines and issued cease-and-desist orders to six unlicensed operators. These actions, in collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, also resulted in 79 machine seizures and several criminal convictions.

The agency’s commitment to addressing offshore operators continued into 2025. In May alone, the agency issued cease-and-desist orders to 14 unlicensed platforms targeting Michigan residents.

As chair, I commend the agency’s dedication to protecting consumers and ensuring the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry. I encourage residents to report suspected illegal gaming by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing [email protected].

“The fight against illegal gambling is an ongoing priority for the agency, and I fully support the team’s efforts in this area.”

Jim Ananich, chair of the MGCB.

What are the MGCB’s main challenges for this year?

The gaming landscape in Michigan is evolving rapidly, and the agency faces several challenges in 2025. From my perspective as chair, some key areas of focus include:

1. Combating illegal offshore gambling: Unlicensed operators continue to target Michigan residents, undermining the regulated market. The agency has already issued more than 90 cease-and-desist orders from January through early June 2025 and remains vigilant in protecting consumers.
2. Addressing emerging betting forms: New platforms like sports prediction markets and “sporting event contracts” often operate without consumer protections, causing confusion and potential harm. The agency is working to educate the public and coordinate with partners to address these issues.
3. Ensuring responsible gaming practices: The expansion of internet gaming and sports betting makes it essential to continue investing in responsible gaming initiatives, such as the “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign and sharing recovery stories to inspire others to seek help.
4. Regulatory capacity expansion: As the industry grows, so does the need for additional staff and resources to effectively monitor and regulate igaming and sports betting.

I am committed to supporting the agency’s leadership team as they navigate these challenges, ensuring Michigan’s gaming environment remains safe, fair, and transparent.