Michigan Lottery Transitions to 1-800-GAMBLER for Responsible Gaming Support

The Michigan Lottery announced Monday that it will be transitioning to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, for responsible gaming support, according to the press release.

This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER.

New Michigan Lottery 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the state’s current problem gambling helpline

The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117). However, the previous number will remain in operation.

“The Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

“By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem.”

The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). It is the world’s largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered.

Additionally, the helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources. Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained staff members are available 24/7, 365 days a year for assistance. They provide support, guidance, and relevant information to individuals seeking help related to problem gambling.

Players or their family members can connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number

Furthermore, players or their family members can connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lottery’s website.

The Lottery is committed to promoting responsible gaming and providing Michigan residents with reliable resources. The Michigan Lottery was the first U.S. lottery to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification. It received the certification through the NCPG in October 2015.

The NCPG evaluated the Lottery’s compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world.

Players who play the Lottery’s online games have access to daily loss limits and a variety of self-exclusion periods. Gamblers also have age verification at account registration, play history, and daily and weekly deposit limits.

Moreover, warning signs of problem gambling include borrowing money to gamble and being unable to stop or control betting. Missing work or sacrificing time with family to gamble is another red flag.

Responsible gaming has been an integral part of the Michigan Lottery since it was established in 1972. The Lottery provides $1 million each year to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. These donations help fund statewide education and treatment programs for problem gambling.