Michigan's New State-Funded Website Aims to Protect Youth from Sweepstakes Casinos

Parents and teachers and other citizens of Michigan now have more resources to fight against gambling by underage persons. As part of a comprehensive program titled “Don’t Regret the Bet,” the Michigan Gaming Control Board has launched “Don't Bet on Your Future,” which features a website at dontbetonyourfuture.org.

The state is pouring time and money into programs such as this one to combat illegal gaming platforms, including sweepstakes casinos and offshore sportsbooks that have operated in Michigan. The MGCB has previously sent cease-and-desist letters and threatened legal action against unlicensed gaming operations.

The Don't Bet On Your Future program offers actionable resources such as the Youth Boosters Program, where Booster Clubs at Michigan schools can apply for up to $4,000 to implement marketing and educational campaigns on social media and in their school districts.

According to the state, reaching students peer-to-peer is more impactful. “Young people trust the adults in their school community,” the MGCB says. “By delivering education and prevention messaging through coaches, athletic directors, and booster volunteers — rather than traditional public service announcements — the MGCB can reach teens with a message that is both credible and timely.”

School booster program can visit the website to learn more about the program and to apply for funds.

According to the MGCB, this new education program provides a source for preventative action in an effort to shield vulnerable underage citizens from the dangers of gambling addiction:

“According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, nearly two-thirds of American adults report having gambled before the age of 21 — and young people in Michigan are no exception,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, in a press release. “Don’t Bet on Your Future is about building a statewide community of education and prevention — one that runs through our schools, our coaches, our parents, and our neighborhoods. We are committed to ensuring the next generation understands the real risks of gambling before they ever place a bet.”

GAP program will launch in time for 2026-27 school year

Despite a lack of a mandate from the state legislature to implement a gambling prevention program for public schools, state regulators under the leadership of Williams have taken initiatives to fill that need. Another important effort is the Gambling Education and Prevention (GAP) Grant Program, which will be launched later this summer in time for the next school year.

GAP will provide funding to eligible high schools, colleges, and community organizations to "establish local gambling awareness education programming" that covers Michigan's "gambling landscape, mental and financial health impacts, and support resources..."