The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is encouraging charitable organizations to explore the possibility of hosting Millionaire Parties as a means of fundraising to support their charitable initiatives. Millionaire Parties, authorized by Michigan’s Bingo Act, are charitable gaming events where participants place wagers on various casino games, with poker being the most popular choice. These events use imitation money or chips for betting.
Boosting Charitable Causes:
In 2022, qualified charitable organizations in Michigan received an impressive $4.9 million in net profit from charitable poker events. The popularity of these events is evident, with approximately $67.9 million generated from chip sales at 1,394 licensed fundraisers in the same year, coming close to the $72.4 million recorded in 2019. It’s noteworthy that the number of licensed events saw a remarkable 137 percent increase from 2021 to 2022.
Applying for Millionaire Party Licences:
Once an organization qualifies, they have the opportunity to apply for up to four Millionaire Party licenses within a calendar year, and each license can be authorized for up to four consecutive days. The license fee stands at a reasonable $50 per day of gaming.
Support and Guidance:
Henry Williams, the executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, expressed his encouragement for charitable organizations to consider hosting Millionaire Parties for their fundraising efforts. The MGCB provides valuable resources for these organizations, including informative videos, to help their leaders understand the qualification and license application processes. The MGCB’s dedicated staff is also readily available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the application and licensing procedures. They even make site visits to live events and offer feedback to further support charities in their initiatives.
Responsible Gaming Campaign:
In addition to promoting charitable gaming events, the MGCB has launched a comprehensive responsible gaming campaign called “Don’t Regret the Bet.” This statewide, multi-media initiative encourages Michigan residents to wager responsibly when participating in the state’s legal and regulated forms of gaming. Developed in partnership with King Media, the campaign includes broadcast TV and radio advertising, as well as point-of-sale video ads at gas stations.
Impressive Growth in Michigan’s Gaming Industry:
The success of responsible gaming initiatives and charitable Millionaire Parties is mirrored in Michigan’s gaming industry’s robust growth. In March, combined gross receipts from internet casino gaming and sports betting reached $216.4 million, marking a substantial 26.7 percent increase compared to February. Internet gaming gross receipts alone set a new Michigan record at $171.8 million, surpassing the previous record of $153.7 million in January. Gross sports betting receipts amounted to $44.6 million, a significant jump from $30.5 million in March 2022.
The MGCB’s support for charitable Millionaire Parties, its commitment to responsible gaming, and the remarkable growth in Michigan’s gaming industry reflect a thriving and responsible gaming environment in the state. Charitable organizations have a valuable avenue to raise funds for their noble causes, and Michigan’s gaming industry continues to flourish, benefiting both the state and its residents.