Michigan's $4.19B Gambling Boom Hides a Dark Consumer Risk
Amid the ongoing expansion of online sports betting, Michigan was criticized for its player protection policies. The Center for Addiction Science, Policy, and Research recently gave the state an F- grade for player protection. The advocacy group alarmed that Michigan lacks policies that protect gamblers from bankruptcy, while player protections are insufficient and the state offers gambling with credit cards.
Michigan is among several U.S. states that permit iGaming, land-based casino gambling and online sports betting.
With such a wide range of gambling activities, the state has become a major market in the country.
Yet, an advocacy group criticized Michigan for its insufficient customer protection and gave it a failing grade.
The state needs to do more to protect gamblers
While there are only three land-based casinos in Michigan, as noted, the state offers internet gaming and online sports betting.
Data from the American Gaming Association reveals that in 2024, the state's gambling industry hit a record $4.19bn revenue, pointing to 17.1% year-over-year increase.
In 2025, the state's gambling revenue, which includes casinos, iGaming and sports betting, was $3.8bn and there aren't any signs that the market is slowing down.
However, together with the increase in popularity of online sports betting, fears about the negative impact of gambling are on the rise.
In this context, an advocacy group gave Michigan a failing grade for its insufficient efforts to protect gamblers from harm.
As announced by Bridge Michigan, the Center for Addiction Science, Policy, and Research recently gave Michigan an F- grade for its gambling harm guardrails.
The failing grade positioned Michigan in 49th place out of 52 U.S. states and territories when evaluating online gambling protections.
Notably, according to the advocacy group, one of the main reasons for the failing grade is the lack of policy or regulation to protect consumers from excessive gambling or bankruptcy.
Furthermore, the Center alarmed that nothing prevents operators from offering their services to sports bettors who may be experiencing gambling harm or at-risk gambling.
At the same time, the advocacy group criticized the existing rate of taxes for online gambling, deeming it "unusually low."
The Center also encouraged lawmakers to introduce legislation that would prohibit the use of credit cards for gambling.
It also recommended the implementation of mandatory cooling-off periods for gamblers who lose more than $500 in a single month.
Normalization of betting results in harm
The expansion of sports betting across the country has made the activity a normal part of sports.
However, Michigan is an example that insufficient player protection policies may ultimately result in an uptick in gambling harm.
Currently, the state offers options for self-exclusion and provides support to people affected by problem gambling or at-risk gambling.
Still, Michiganders are permitted to use their credit card for gambling activities and this raises concerns.
A recent study from Southern Methodist University suggested that the legalization of online sports betting across the U.S. has led to a 75% increase in calls to gambling helplines.
