Michigan Gaming Control Board has expanded its free Gamban access programme after strong public demand. The regulator bought another 100 licences for Michigan residents after most of the first allocation was claimed quickly.
More than 80 of the first 100 free licences were taken within two weeks of launch. The expansion gives more residents access to software designed to block online gambling sites and apps.
Gamban blocks online gambling access
Gamban is a gambling-blocking tool that can be installed across devices. It blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps, giving users a practical way to reduce or stop online play.
The Michigan programme gives residents free access to Gamban licences, with options ranging from one to five years. Applicants do not need to be on Michigan’s self-exclusion list to qualify.
That makes the tool available to people who want early support before taking a formal self-exclusion step. It can also support people already using other responsible gambling tools.
Demand exceeded first allocation
The regulator launched the Gamban partnership in April as part of its responsible gambling work. The first 100 licences were intended to test demand among Michigan residents. Quick demand led MGCB to buy another 100 licences. The response shows that residents are looking for practical tools to manage online gambling access.
Michigan has a large legal online gambling market, covering internet casino gaming and online sports betting. That growth has increased the importance of support tools that work outside individual operator accounts.
Programme links to wider support
The Gamban expansion works with Michigan’s other responsible gambling resources. The state offers self-exclusion options, including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database.
MGCB also runs the Don’t Regret the Bet campaign, which gives information on gambling risks, warning signs and help services. The campaign website was expanded this year with more responsible gambling resources.
Blocking tools support self-exclusion
Gamban is designed to block access across phones, tablets and computers after installation. That makes it different from account-based tools, which only apply to specific gambling operators.
The tool can be used alongside deposit limits, cooling-off periods and formal self-exclusion. For Michigan residents, the free licences add another option before or after stronger restrictions are put in place.
