The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Awards. The responsible-gaming initiative, which promotes safer gambling habits and helps prevent addiction, earned recognition for Campaign of the Year and Video Series. Winners will be announced on October 7, 2025.
The PRNEWS Platinum Awards are among the most respected honors in the communications and marketing industry, celebrating excellence in public relations and strategic campaigns. With more than 1,000 entries submitted this year, competition was especially strong across all categories.
Being named a finalist places the Michigan “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign among the top-performing public initiatives nationwide, highlighting the program’s impact and professional execution in promoting responsible gaming.
The “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign was created as a proactive approach to prevent problem gambling. The initiative uses research-based messaging aimed at high-risk groups, encouraging responsible play and awareness of gambling limits.
The campaign has already shown measurable success. It generated millions of impressions across digital, streaming, and broadcast media, and saw strong engagement through high click-through rates on casino-targeted ads. Since its launch, Michigan has reported nearly a 20% decline in calls to the state’s gambling helpline, while a larger share of those callers are now entering treatment programs, which is an indication that the outreach is reaching those most in need.
The success of Michigan’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign positions it as a potential model for other states looking to strengthen responsible gaming outreach. By combining data-driven messaging with wide-reaching media efforts, the campaign demonstrates how public education can reduce gambling-related harm before it escalates.
As more states expand legalized gambling and online betting, Michigan’s results show the value of proactive communication and accessible resources for players. The MGCB’s approach of blending awareness, prevention, and support illustrates an effective framework for balancing industry growth with public health responsibility.
The MGCB has continued to prioritize player safety. In addition to this responsible gaming campaign, they have issued cease-and-desist orders to offshore operators, ensuring that only sportsbooks that have necessary safeguards are available to their players.
This enforcement helps protect players from fraudulent sites and ensures that all legal operators follow strict standards for fair play, data protection, and responsible gambling tools. By combining public awareness initiatives with strong regulatory action, the MGCB is demonstrating a comprehensive approach to maintaining a safe, transparent, and accountable gaming environment for everyone in the state.
As the MGCB looks to the future, its focus remains on promoting a culture of responsibility and transparency in the gaming industry. The success of the “Don’t Regret the Bet” campaign and its national recognition have strengthened the agency’s commitment to expanding educational outreach and developing new prevention tools.
The MGCB plans to continue working with community organizations, mental health professionals, and licensed operators to ensure that players have access to reliable information and support. By maintaining its emphasis on education, enforcement, and collaboration, the agency aims to build on its momentum and keep Michigan at the forefront of responsible gaming initiatives nationwide.
