It’s a major concern for our best sports betting sites and for the states that they operate in: responsible gambling.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has stated that responsible gambling should be a priority for bettors ahead of Super Bowl 59. It asserted that sports bettors should only place bets with licensed operators of an authorized sportsbook.

“Each year, the Super Bowl unites millions of fans, football lovers, and bettors around the world. As we come together to watch the game, let’s remember the importance of responsible betting to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

The MGCB and the various gaming operators have procedures for self-exclusion for those who want to prevent or limit access to gambling services. Self-exclusion programs help ensure more protection against problem gambling, allowing bettors to have resources available to monitor their betting behaviors. 

Those interested in self-exclusion options can find them under responsible gaming or help sections of licensed Michigan sports betting websites.

The MGCB also offers a statewide self-exclusion program via the Responsible Gaming Database, which extends to all legal Michigan online casino operators. Sign-ups are available via the Disassociated Persons List for land-based gaming at the state’s trio of commercial casinos, MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown.

This program specifically targets individuals who would like to exclude themselves from physically entering and gambling at those casino locations. The MGCB’s advisory comes at a significant time when accessibility to sports betting is expanding further, raising concerns about potential problem gambling. 

The MGCB’s message echoes similar reminders issued by gaming authorities in other states, including Massachusetts sports betting and Nevada sports betting.

Super Bowl 59 bets on the rise

The Super Bowl is one of the most bet-on sporting events in the U.S., with plenty of fans jumping on Super Bowl odds. As such, regulatory bodies reinforce the importance of legal and responsible betting. Residents of the Wolverine State have plenty of legal Michigan sports betting apps to choose from.

Based on aggregated data from legal betting states, nearly 225 million Americans can bet on the Super Bowl in their respective markets. As bettors continue to take advantage of our best sportsbook promos, this would equate to a record-setting year in sports betting revenue.

The total wagering volume in regulated U.S. markets is also forecast to rise by at least 15%. That could push the total legal betting handle over $1.7 billion for the first time, a new Super Bowl betting record.

Bettors can wager on anything, from national anthem predictions to the Super Bowl coin toss odds. That range of options also adds to the concerns of responsible gambling groups and regulators.

With millions more Americans getting in on sports wagering, regulatory agencies and sportsbooks have been taking active steps to remind bettors that resources are available to assist them in wagering responsibly.