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The Michigan Legislature approved the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget on 28 June, which includes $50.7m set aside for the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
The MGCB’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming messaging campaign, which was released earlier this year and offers advice and information to Michigan residents, will be supported by an allocated $3m in ongoing, annual funding as part of the agreement.
Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director, said: “A well-funded gaming control agency is crucial for ensuring fair and honest gaming in the State of Michigan, preventing fraud and illegal activities, and addressing problem gambling.
“I sincerely appreciate the support from Governor Whitmer and the Legislature of a budget that will help the MGCB continue its responsible gaming messaging campaign, support our state’s growing gaming economy and allow us to grow our team and make investments into efficient systems that help strengthen our mission and integrity while supporting those we serve.”
The MGCB will also receive additional funding as part of the FY2024 budget, including $2.2m and 16 full-time equivalents (FTE) staff positions to support new gaming programmes, $2m in one-time funding to build an accounts receivable system integrated with an internal agency database and the state’s financial system, SIGMA.
It will receive $63,000 to start paying MGCB board members, who currently serve on an unpaid volunteer basis, for attending board meetings.
The bipartisan budget deal is currently on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for her review and approval.
Funding allocations are expected to go into effect on 1 October, the first day of the state’s fiscal year FY2024.
