Gambling is just a fun activity for lots of people, but for others, it can turn into a serious problem.
That’s why Michigan offers players the option to exclude themselves from betting at both online and land-based casinos if they feel like their gambling is getting out of control.
Whether you’re playing online or at a retail location, hitting an MI online casino should be entertaining, like going to a concert or a bar.
Experts warn that when gambling stops being fun and turns into a way to make money, players might develop a problem or addiction.
To operate legally in Michigan, casinos must comply with the state’s responsible gambling laws, which include offering players the tools to limit how much time and money they spend at online casinos, or to fully exclude themselves from all gambling options.
If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you know, keep reading to learn more about the self-exclusion programs in Michigan and how you can ban yourself from playing at physical and online casinos.
We’ll go over what self-exclusion means, how it works, and what other steps you can take to bet responsibly in Michigan.
What Is Self-Exclusion At A Casino?
Self-exclusion is the last resource for players whose gambling habits are out of control.
It’s a way for you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling at Michigan casinos, downloading online casino apps, and even receiving any marketing material from casinos and betting providers.
You can limit or ban yourself from playing at a particular casino, or you can opt into the state’s self-exclusion program, otherwise known as the Disassociated Persons List (DPL).
Putting your name on the DPL will make it illegal for you to place bets at physical casinos, their websites, or apps for a minimum of five years.
Responsible Gambling Steps To Take Before Self-Exclusion
If you’re not ready to put your name on the state’s self-exclusion lists, there are other less drastic measures you can take first.
By law, all commercial Michigan casinos must offer players responsible gambling tools.
Time Limits
An easy way to take back control of your gambling is to place self-imposed limits on the time you can spend playing at online casinos. A pop-up will appear when you have reached your limit, and you won’t be able to keep playing that day.
Money Limits
If you are spending more money on casino games than you can afford, you can set money limits. These help you limit the amount of money you can deposit or wager, helping you stay within budget.
Self-Imposed Time Outs
You can also temporarily ban yourself from specific casinos or betting services.
These changes can all be managed directly through your account settings on the provider’s website and can easily be reversed when you’re ready.
Who Controls The Michigan Self-Exclusion List
The Michigan self-exclusion list, the DPL, is overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
The MGCB is the body that regulates all gambling in the state, grants licenses to casinos, and enforces responsible gambling rules and regulations.
The DPL is a legally binding resource and violating your voluntary self-exclusion can lead to your winnings being confiscated, fines, and even jail time.
If your name is on the list and you’re found at a physical casino in Michigan, you may also be charged with criminal trespassing.
The DPL only applies to commercial casinos and not tribal casinos in Michigan.
How To Ban Yourself From Gambling In Michigan
If you believe you need to exclude yourself from all forms of gambling, there are a few steps you can take to voluntarily ban yourself from Michigan casinos and betting providers.
First, you must decide whether you want a temporary or long-term ban, and if you want to include brick-and-mortar casinos or only online casinos and apps.
Keep in mind that since these are completely voluntary programs, only you can put your name on the self-exclusion lists. No one else can do it for you.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
To exclude yourself from all online gambling and sports betting, you can voluntarily add your name to the Responsible Gaming Database (RGD).
To do this, you can apply in person at the MGCB or mail in your notarized application. You will be required to select whether you want to exclude yourself for one or five years.
If you want to ban yourself from all commercial casinos, both brick-and-mortar and online, you can put your name on the state’s self-exclusion list or DPL.
- To ban yourself from both land-based casinos in AC as well as online casinos and betting sites, you will need to fill out the form available at the DGE website and personally submit it at the DGE offices or with the New Jersey Racing Commission.
- Photo ID will be required and you will be photographed. All of this is to ensure that no one can submit someone else’s name for self-exclusion, only their own.
- If you want to ban yourself exclusively from online gambling, you can submit your application in person or through a video call with the DGE.
- You can choose to be on the self-exclusion list for a year, five years, or a lifetime.
Keep in mind you will be banning yourself from all gambling activities for at least five years.
How To Remove Yourself From The Self-Exclusion List In Michigan
Excluding yourself from gambling is a big decision, and so is removing yourself from the self-exclusion lists.
If you feel that you’re ready to start gambling again after having excluded yourself and that you have better control over your habits, there are ways for you to get back to the casinos.
Before you take these steps, you should be confident in your ability to play responsibly and respect your limits when it comes to both the time and money you spend gambling.
Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
Removing the limits placed on your account with a particular online casino or app is easy, and can be done through your account settings.
- If you excluded yourself from your favorite online casino and want to regain access, you just have to change back the settings through your account on their website. This only applies if you chose the self-exclusion option through their website to begin with.
- If you put your name on the state’s self-exclusion registry, you must apply for the DGE to remove you from the list. You can do so through their website. Your request will only be accepted once the time you chose to exclude yourself from gambling activities, whether one year or five, has expired.
- If you chose to be excluded for a lifetime, you will not be able to remove your name from the self-exclusion list.
If you find yourself struggling to control your gambling habits after being removed from any of these lists, you can always re-submit your name to be excluded again.
Who To Contact In Michigan If You Have A Gambling Problem
If you are worried about your gambling habits, multiple resources in Michigan offer help to get these issues under control and help you play responsibly.
Phone Helplines
There are several phone numbers you can call to get advice about managing your gambling, like the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) 24-hour helpline and the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling helpline.
Online Resources
You can also visit the Don’t Regret the Bet website, which has plenty of resources and information about problem gambling and how to get help.
Support Groups And Charities
Like other addictions, gambling issues should be taken seriously.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is an organization that helps people recovering from gambling addictions and problem behavior get their finances back in order.
For many people, twelve-step programs such as the one offered by Gamblers Anonymous are helpful.
You will be able to hold yourself accountable and interact with others who can understand what you’re going through.
Gam-Anon is a community for friends and family of those struggling with gambling problems.
Remember, you don’t have to wait until your gambling becomes a problem to ask for help; the sooner you set limits and learn to use available tools and coping mechanisms, the easier the recovery process will be.