On Thursday the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced a new initiative offering Michigan residents free access to gambling-blocking software provided by Gamban.
This move aims to enhance responsible gaming measures amid the state’s growing online gambling market.
A cross-device blocking tool
Under the partnership, residents can apply for Gamban licences free of charge, with licence durations ranging from one to five years.
MGCB stressed that applicants do not need to be enrolled in the state’s existing self-exclusion programme to qualify. Anyone seeking to limit their ability to access online gambling can apply through the MGCB website.
Gamban’s software is designed as a cross-device blocking tool that prevents access to both regulated and unregulated gambling websites and mobile applications. This includes licensed casinos, sports betting operators, as well as offshore or unregulated sites.
The company highlights that the software is difficult for users to disable or remove and does not affect access to non-gambling websites or services. Additionally, it can direct users to local support resources if they seek help for gambling-related issues.
‘Free for people where cost might otherwise be a barrier’
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams positioned the Gamban partnership as part of the agency’s commitment to consumer protection, describing the software as “a free, proven tool to block access to online gambling instantly and across all their devices.”
Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of external affairs at Gamban, underscored the importance of removing financial hurdles when it came to accessing blocking tools.
“We are delighted to partner with the Michigan Gaming Control Board to make Gamban free for people where cost might otherwise be a barrier.”
He added: “When someone takes the first step toward quitting gambling, they will be made aware 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 programmes, such as Michigan’s Responsible Gaming Database and Disassociated Persons List, allow gamblers to ban themselves from licensed land-based and online operators.
The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programme (NVSEP), launched 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, welcomed the launch at the time.
“Conducting research on voluntary-self exclusion has shown the process can be confusing for those seeking help. This is especially if they are looking 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 initiative complements existing responsible gambling strategies within the state, which include self-exclusion options and public educational campaigns such as “Don’t Regret the Bet”.
