Gambling Addiction Treatment in Michigan

Casino gaming: Land-based casinos have been legal in Michigan since November of 1996, when voters approved Proposal E, which effectively authorized the licensing and operation of three casinos within Detroit. Since then, casino gaming facilities have expanded in number to 27, which are collectively under the operation of 12 federally-recognized Native American tribes. To date, Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates commercial casinos, horse racing, and millionaire parties. Moreover, Michigan is one of the few U.S. states to legalize and allow online casino gaming for residents over the age of 21. This includes casino games such as video poker, online slots, blackjack, roulette, keno, and more.

Online sports betting: Michigan was an early adopter of sports betting, legalizing it shortly after the 2018 federal removal of the ban on sports betting in the United States. The activity was legalized in the state on December 20, 2019. The first in-person sports betting wager was placed in March of 2020 and the first online sports wager was accepted in January of 2021.

According to the American Gaming Association (AGA) Michigan generated nearly $2 billion in online gambling in 2023. One year later (2024) the Detroit Free Press reported that between the state’s commercial and tribal operations, iGaming receipts totaled nearly $3 billion. It should therefor come as no surprise to find the following statistics for the state:

• In the last 5 years, calls from Michigan to the National Problem Gambling Hotline have skyrocketed by more than 267% (source)  
• 15% of high school students in West Michigan have placed bets or gambled in the last 30 days (source)

Meanwhile, Michigan residents share the following problem gambling statistics with the rest of the country:

• 20% of sports bettors are in or have been in debt from sports betting ( source )
• Average gambling addict (male) debt is between $55,000 and $90,000 ( source )
• About 3% of problem gamblers in the USA are $300,000 in debt due to their addiction ( source )
• Nearly 15% of problem gamblers have committed a crime to support their addiction ( source )
• Divorce rate for habitual gamblers is 31% compared to 21% for those who rarely gamble ( source )
• Suicide rate is 16 times higher for problem gamblers ( source )

Kindbridge provides confidential and powerful treatment in a virtual (online or by-phone) environment. Our counselors are accessible, whether you’re in Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, Warren, or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within the Wolverine State.

In addition to problem gambling, Kindbridge therapists have expertise treating other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact 40% of the population in MI. It’s important to note that these issues, including PTSD and other concerns, concur with gambling disorder. In fact, gambling is considered to be a common (and unhealthy) coping mechanism for mental and behavioral health issues. In a state where adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widespread, with 68% of adults reporting one or more, millions may turn to gambling to cope. This is a problematic cocktail that requires complex intervention that Kindbridge is uniquely qualified to offer.

A problematic relationship with gambling also has a negative affect on loved ones. In addition to gambling addiction treatment for individuals in MI, Kindbridge provides couples and family counseling.

Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers flexible pricing for online and telehealth counseling. Problem gambling treatment rates and subscriptions can be found here. MI residents may also qualify for direct billing through our insurance partners.