What Does the Don’t Regret the Bet Ad Campaign Entail?

Jessica Aletor
By:
Jessica Aletor
08/03/2023/
News
News

Highlights

  • The Michigan Gaming Control Board has launched a promotional campaign to inform Michigan players on the need for responsible gaming.
  • Don’t Regret the Bet, the ad campaign, will be featured on digital and traditional media throughout the month of March.
  • A new website is also included in the campaign, providing resources and information about responsible gaming.

In 2003, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) inaugurated the first commemoration of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Since then, the month of March has been dedicated to celebrating responsible gaming and promoting awareness against gambling-related addictions. At the 20th anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, regulatory authorities and brands are stepping up to mark the month-long program.

As part of its efforts to increase awareness in the Wolverine State, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has launched an ad campaign tagged ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’. The initiative will help provide information and help about problem gambling in the state.

What Does the Don’t Regret the Bet Ad Campaign Entail?

Don’t Regret the Bet is the MGCB’s awareness campaign to promote responsible gambling in Michigan. The multimedia crusade is expected to emphasize the need for using licensed and regulated Michigan online casinos or sportsbooks and responsible wagering on those platforms.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board launched the campaign on the 6th of March, via a press release on its official website. King Media, a multimedia house in Lansing, is partnering with the MGCB to sponsor the campaign across different information channels. Residents can expect to see details of the ad campaign on broadcast TV, radio, digital streaming services and podcast audio platforms and point of sale video ads.

Of course, a sizable part of the campaign will be focused on social media, particularly the handles of the MGCB and its partners. Speaking about the commitment to promoting responsible gambling, the founder of King Media had this to say:

“We are honored to partner with the MGCB to promote responsible gambling. Don’t Regret the Bet is a campaign that will have a positive impact on individuals and communities across Michigan, and that aligns perfectly with our focus on meaningful work.”

Despite the partnership with private organizations and gambling brands, the campaign is mostly public sector driven. The campaign is funded directly from a dedicated allocation from the State of Michigan Budget for 2023 Fiscal Year. This budget was approved by the Michigan Legislature and signed by Governor Whitmer at the beginning of the year.

Henry Williams, the executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board minced no words in stressing the regulatory body’s commitment to tackling problem gambling.

“Starting in March, Michigan residents will hear and see new public service messages on local TV and radio stations and on popular social media platforms reminding them to enjoy gaming responsibly.”

Speaking in the press release, the executive director further expressed the significance of the month of March to the entirety of the campaign.

“March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to launch the MGCB’s educational campaign. The yearlong campaign is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to reach the public with information, tips and tactics promoting responsible gaming.”

The ad is expected to reach both users above the age of 21 as well as teenage audiences to curb underage wagering at Michigan online sports betting platforms.

Launch of the DontRegrettheBet.org Website and All to Expect

An ad campaign is not where it ends for the Don’t Regret the Bet movement. The MGCB has also launched an informative website where Michigan gamblers can get access to important resources and help materials against problem gambling.

DontRegrettheBet.org is designed to help players at online casinos see gambling as entertainment and not a side job. Some of the resources include Online Responsible Gaming Tools, Problem Gambling Self-Assessment materials, as well as infographics on Signs of Problem Gambling for Teens and Seniors.

Other Brands Lend a Voice Against The Rising Spate of Problem Gambling

Aside from the MGCB, other regulatory authorities and online gambling brands are also stepping up to promote responsible gambling in the Wolverine State.

Earlier this year, the Michigan Lottery received a re-certification from National Council on Problem Gambling after completing the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program. As part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the lottery regulator is providing Self-Exclusion, Cool Off and Loss Limit tools to players.

Major online casinos have also joined the fight against problem gambling. On March 13, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services will be holding a Michigan Problem Gambling Symposium as part of efforts to stem the tide.

If you suffer from any gambling addiction, you can visit the Responsible Gaming section of Michigan online casino websites or sports betting apps. Otherwise, use the Don’t Regret the Bet website or call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.

Jessica is a news contributor to Gamble Online Michigan. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics but has over three years of experience working in the hospitality and gambling industry. Despite her core finance and investment banking background, she has been a casino feature writer for N1 Interactive Limited and multiple gambling affiliate sites. Her work has been featured on the bet365 blog, casino.zone and Max Force Racing. She spends her time between Michigan and California, staying up-to-date on the latest industry developments