- Michigan's one of the few states that are out there that has fully online casinos, and that's anything you find in a casino.

- [Stephanie] Gambling in Michigan doesn't require a trip to the casino anymore.

It's as easy as pulling out your smartphone outta your pocket.

A lot has changed since the earliest forms of playing for money, from gambling at casinos, including here in central Michigan to sports betting, understanding this lucrative world requires meticulous regulation and consumer protections, especially when the odds are stacked against you.

- Gambling is the most highly regulated industry in the country and that extends to the online stuff.

There's lots of know your customer, KYC, steps and guidelines in place, and you do have to take a picture of your ID.

You have to do these.

You've got a... A lot of 'em make you do two-factor authentication.

- [Stephanie] Gambling has never been more accessible or more regulated.

This is Pat Evans with Catena Media who follows the regulation and legislative side of online gaming.

The amount of money sports betting and especially online gaming are generating here in Michigan is staggering.

- In December, iGaming generated $45.9 million in taxes for the state.

Internet sports betting taxes were $214,000.

- [Stephanie] Pat is talking about the tax revenue generated in December of 2024.

But take a look at the big picture numbers for last year.

Online casinos and sports betting became legal in Michigan back in 2021.

Michigan right now is one of just a few states where you can gamble online, but more states are trying to legalize it.

- All these states are looking towards online casino, but a lot of them are now seeing the headwinds and the objections to the sports betting expansion.

So it's harder for these states and the legislators are saying, "Well, this is a regressive tax, so this isn't good."

So Michigan got it all done over one hump.

And honestly Michigan is the...

Besides Nevada and New Jersey, which are massive historical gaming centers, Michigan is probably the leading regulatory body in the country when it comes to online gaming.

- [Stephanie] Also known as iGaming, it gives people the ability to play casino style card games, roulette, and slots right on your phone or handheld device.

You can play right from home.

It's the job of the Michigan Gaming Control Board to regulate the state's gaming industry.

They tell us its primary role is overseeing the Detroit commercial casinos, online gaming, sports betting, horse racing, and charitable gaming.

A board spokesperson tells us that as the gaming industry has evolved over the years, especially with the rise of online gaming and sports betting, they've incorporated a, quote, "Robust regulatory framework to protect consumers, prevent illegal operations, and promote responsible gaming practices.

- Are there workarounds?

Can somebody's dad just let the 14-year-old have access to a sports book?

Probably.

Is that okay?

No.

If the sports books find this out, they do crack down on you.

They do ban the accounts.

- [Stephanie] And crackdowns do happen.

Recently, the Sue Online reported that the board sent cease and desist letters to 13 illegal offshore gaming websites stating the operators do not meet standards for responsible gaming, consumer protection or data security.

The board also determines how and where the revenue gets allocated.

Those numbers are also provided in a yearly report.

Here are the numbers which include more than $500 million to the school aid fund.

Another 3 million to compulsive gambling prevention, along with $3.75 million to Don't Regret the Bet.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board tells WCMU that through these efforts, Michigan continues to prioritize responsible gaming while fostering a safe and supportive environment for players, which includes the Don't Regret the Bet marketing campaign that raises awareness for the risks of problem gambling.

Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services oversees addiction and recovery efforts related to gambling in the state.

The money it receives funds a variety of preventative and informational resources, including the state's problem gambling helpline 1-800-270-7117, which can put someone struggling in touch with nearby clinicians groups or find virtual help.

- You're seeing more and more money and you're seeing legislators in states go back and say, "Let's put more money, whether it's tax revenue or create a new fund that the sports books can pay into to help increase prevention, treatment, recovery for problem gambling."

'Cause they do recognize it's a big issue.

And they do realize that a gambling customer that doesn't have money isn't a customer anymore.

So again, it's in their best interest to keep people healthy.

They're making sure it's a, you know, up and up industry and, you know, doing all the things it can to protect consumers to their best ability and cracking down on the people who are trying to take advantage of Michiganders.