On Thursday the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) revealed a fresh effort offering Michigan citizens complimentary access to gambling-blocking software supplied by Gamban.
This step seeks to improve responsible gaming measures within the state’s expanding online gambling market.
A cross-device blocking tool
Under the collaboration, citizens can request Gamban licenses without charge, with license periods spanning from one to five years.
MGCB emphasized that applicants do not have to be registered in the state’s current self-exclusion program to be eligible. Any individual wanting to restrict their capacity to reach online gambling can submit an application through the MGCB website.
Gamban’s program is built as a cross-device blocking instrument that stops entry to both regulated and unregulated gambling websites and mobile apps. This covers licensed casinos, sports betting providers, along with offshore or unregulated sites.
The organization notes that the software is challenging for users to deactivate or remove and does not influence access to non-gambling websites or services. Additionally, it can steer users to local support resources if they request assistance for gambling-related concerns.
‘Free for people where cost might otherwise be a barrier’
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams presented the Gamban partnership as part of the agency’s dedication to consumer protection, describing the software as “a no-cost, verified tool to block access to online gambling immediately and across all their devices.”
Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of external affairs at Gamban, stressed the significance of eliminating financial obstacles when it came to obtaining blocking tools.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Michigan Gaming Control Board to make Gamban free for individuals where expense might otherwise be a hurdle.”
He added: “When someone takes the first step toward stopping gambling, they will be informed of all the services available in the state via the Gamban app, while it works to block gambling sites and apps in the background.”
Complementary strategies
Self-exclusion programs, such as Michigan’s Responsible Gaming Database and Disassociated Persons List, allow gamblers to prohibit themselves from licensed land-based and online operators.
The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programme (NVSEP), introduced in 2024, allows gamblers to self-exclude in all regulated states.
Dr Michelle Malkin, director of the Gambling Research and Policy Initiative (GRPI) at East Carolina University, greeted the launch at that time.
“Carrying out research on voluntary-self exclusion has shown the process can be confusing for those looking for help. This is especially if they are wanting to self-exclude across multiple jurisdictions.”
Gamban software blocks content across various gambling categories including casino games, sports betting, poker, slots, social casinos, crypto gambling and NFT wagering.
This effort complements current responsible gambling tactics within the state, which include self-exclusion options and public education initiatives such as “Don’t Regret the Bet”.