Michigan gambling regulators are expanding a free program that blocks betting websites and apps after residents quickly claimed most of the first round of licenses.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board said Thursday (May 21) it bought 100 additional Gamban licenses after more than 80 of the original 100 were claimed during the program’s first two weeks. The software is available at no cost to Michigan residents and works across Android, iOS, Windows and macOS devices.
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Each license can be used on unlimited household devices, giving users the ability to block gambling platforms across phones, tablets and computers with a single account.
“The response from Michigan residents in the first two weeks of this program exceeded our expectations and speaks to a genuine need in our communities,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We acted quickly to secure an additional 100 licenses so that no resident seeking this kind of support is turned away. Michigan is committed to ensuring that the expansion of legal gaming comes with the strongest possible safeguards for the people we serve.”
State regulators first announced the Gamban partnership in April. Residents can request licenses lasting from one to five years without enrolling in a formal self-exclusion program.
Demand drives expanded Gamban responsible gaming efforts in Michigan
Gamban said its software blocks access to online casinos, sports betting sites, poker rooms, slot platforms, social casinos and cryptocurrency gambling services. The company also says the software restricts access to offshore and unregulated operators that target U.S. consumers.
The expansion comes as Michigan regulators continue balancing the rapid growth of legal online gaming with broader consumer protection efforts. State officials have recently increased enforcement activity against offshore gambling operators accused of offering illegal betting services to Michigan residents.
Earlier this year, the Michigan Gaming Control Board sent cease-and-desist letters to 12 offshore gambling websites, warning the operators to stop accepting wagers from people inside the state. Regulators said those platforms lacked proper licensing and consumer safeguards required under Michigan law.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, roughly 2% of Americans meet the criteria for gambling addiction. Michigan officials say programs such as Gamban provide another layer of support for people trying to reduce or eliminate gambling access altogether.
“The strong response to this program tells us that residents want accessible, device-level support — and we intend to keep delivering it,” Williams added. “These additional licenses mean more Michigan residents can take back control, free of charge.”
Residents can obtain the software through the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s responsible gaming resources page by creating a Gamban account and installing the program on their devices. Gamban also offers live technical support to help users complete installation.
The Gamban partnership operates alongside other state responsible gaming programs, including Michigan’s online self-exclusion system, the Disassociated Persons List for Detroit casinos and the “Don’t Regret the Bet” public awareness campaign.
Featured image: Michigan Gaming Control Board
