March Problem Gambling Awareness Month Spotlights Sweepstakes Casinos' Safer Play Model

Every March, the gaming industry comes together to raise awareness about Responsible Gambling. The Problem Gambling Awareness month is a nationwide campaign which involves different industry stakeholders who spread the word about responsible gaming and available tools. 

This grassroots campaign is led by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), with a few states, like Michigan, officially proclaiming this month as an awareness month.

As state regulation tightens, some of the leading sweepstakes casinos such as Fortune Coins and Stake.us offer voluntary tools even without legal mandates.

Michigan Declares March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month

In a resolution dated March 1st, Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially joined the campaign of the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling and the National Council on Problem Gambling. 

This month, state authorities will lead the campaign to promote its voluntary tools and resources that can help players play within limits. For example, it will advertise and open its Help-Line, provide counseling services, and run other campaigns that can help players reduce harm and play responsibly.

As of late 2023, sweepstakes casinos no longer operate in Michigan. The state’s Gaming Control Board (MGCB) have issued letters, citing violations of state laws, such as the Penal Code.

Responsible Gambling a Core Program of Top Sweepstakes Casinos

Unlike iGaming sites, most sweepstakes casinos still operate in the gray market in at least 43 states. Although these gaming platforms are still waiting for full regulation, many operators are already implementing robust responsible gambling programs.

• Fortune Coins. This popular sweepstakes gaming platform features one of the most detailed Responsible Gambling policies, including time-outs, self-exclusion, purchase limits, and a questionnaire.

• Stake.us. This top sweepstakes casino boasts time-out options, self-exclusion, with behavioral monitoring tools.

• McLuck and WOW Vegas. These websites integrate reality checks, self-exclusion, and offer links to helplines, like 1-800-GAMBLER.

Common Tools to Use Across Top Sweepstakes Casinos

These sweepstakes casinos highlight the “free-to-play” model to reduce risks, but also add a few more tools for consumer protection. For example, some of these operators also integrate deposit and purchase limits, self-assessments, bread, and support.

In states where sweepstakes casinos still operate in the gray market, a few operators go the extra mile by offering helpful voluntary tools and services.

Sweepstakes casinos remain operational in at least 43 states but face an uncertain future with mounting lawsuits and scrutiny in many parts of the country.

REFERENCES

• Michigan