MGCB partners with Gamban to offer free gambling-blocking software to state residents

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced a new partnership with Gamban to provide free access to gambling-blocking software for all Michigan residents.

The initiative allows individuals to claim licenses ranging from one to five years at no cost, marking a major expansion of the state’s responsible gaming efforts.

Gamban is designed to block access to gambling websites and apps across major platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Once installed, the software is difficult to remove, creating a strong barrier for users seeking to limit or stop online gambling activity.

The move comes amid growing concern over problem gambling. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, about 2% of Americans, or roughly six million people, meet the criteria for gambling addiction. Michigan, an early adopter of legalized online sports betting and casino gaming, has seen rapid growth in digital gambling, prompting increased focus on consumer protections.

“Michigan is committed to ensuring that the expansion of legal gaming comes with the strongest possible safeguards for our residents,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Our partnership with Gamban gives anyone who wants help a free, proven tool to block access to online gambling — instantly and across all their devices.”

Residents can access the free licenses through the MGCB website without needing to enroll in a self-exclusion program. However, those already listed in the state’s Responsible Gaming Database or Disassociated Persons List are encouraged to use the service as an added layer of protection.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, Director of External Affairs at Gamban, said the initiative removes financial barriers for individuals seeking help.

“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,” he added. “This approach has improved overall rates of abstinence and recovery in other jurisdictions.”

Gamban blocks all forms of online gambling content, including sports betting, casino games, poker, crypto gambling, and unregulated sites, while leaving non-gambling websites and investment platforms unaffected.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board works hard to deliver meaningful, accessible, responsible gaming support to residents across the state,” said Sandra Johnson, MGCB Responsible Gaming Section Manager. “Gamban helps people take back control, and this partnership ensures that anyone in Michigan who wants that help can get it — free of charge.”

She added that the partnership complements existing responsible gaming measures, including self-exclusion programs and public awareness campaigns such as
“Don’t Regret the Bet.”

“The addition of Gamban creates a layered approach to harm reduction — combining voluntary self-exclusion with device-level blocking technology to provide support at every point in a person’s journey.”

Michigan residents can easily claim a free Gamban license by visiting the regulator's website, selecting the free license offer, and creating a Gamban account. After registering, users can download and install the software on all personal devices, with coverage extending to unlimited devices within a household. Live technical support is also available through Gamban to assist with installation if needed.