Whether you’re a Red Wings fan, prefer the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry, or more closely follow professional golf, sports betting allows fans a fun way to engage in their favorite games.
The launch of legal sports betting last year has Michiganders enthusiastically moving to the regulated market. Since sports betting went live in 2020, sports fans in Michigan have wagered $2 billion and the state reached $1 billion in online wagers in just four months after mobile betting launched this year — faster than any other state in the country.
Beyond the fun of giving fans a new, immersive experience, legal sports betting is paying back into the community through tax revenue supporting everything from parks, schools, public safety programs, fire departments and other local improvements.
Sports betting has grown exponentially since 2018 — it’s now legal in 31 other states and Washington, D.C. as well as in Michigan.
As legal sports betting continues to expand, it’s important that fans can still have fun while betting — and it’s critical that this market grows the right way. This means putting education first and ensuring fans who want to bet on their favorite game, race or other sporting events know how to wager responsibly.
Responsible gaming is core to gaming’s license to operate in Michigan and across the country.
Together, the American Gaming Association along with league, team and gaming partners — including sports leagues like the National Hockey League and NASCAR — are committed to ensuring an informed fan base as sports betting takes hold through the Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign. The campaign educates sports bettors on how to keep sports betting fun, encouraging fans to:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Keep it social and play with friends, family or colleagues.
- Know the odds by learning about the game you’re playing.
- Play legally with licensed, trusted operators.
More from LSJ opinion
Responsible Gaming Education Week is happening September 19-25. This week and all year long, we encourage fans to practice safe and responsible gaming — a message we’re amplifying nationwide.
With legal sports betting now available to more than 110 million American adults, our commitment to consumer education and responsibility is more important than ever. We’re excited to bring this effort to Michigan to maintain economic growth and keep sports betting fun and safe for sports fans and spectators.
Casey Clark is senior vice president at the American Gaming Association.