The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is teaming up with a company called Gamban to help state residents block their own access to both licensed and unregulated gambling sites, including prediction markets.
The MGCB announced last week that it will utilize Gamban’s technology, which blocks access to all forms of online gambling at device level across operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
Notably, the regulator said that Gamban’s solution encompasses all online gambling content regardless of its regulatory status in the jurisdiction. In a post on its website, Gamban lists several categories of platforms that its tool blocks, including:
- Online sportsbooks
- Online casino sites
- Online poker platforms
- Online bingo
- Online lotteries
- esports gambling
- Social casinos and online sweepstakes platforms
- Gambling affiliates
- Crypto gambling and NFT-based wagering
Gamban also blocks prediction markets
While prediction markets were not mentioned by MGCB in its press release, the Gamban website post also lists prediction markets by name as a category that its users are blocked from.
“These services are designed around wagering money or items of value on uncertain outcomes and are the primary sources of gambling-related harm online,” said Gamban of the list that includes prediction markets.
It also noted that it blocks trading platforms more generally as “these platforms often involve rapid gains and losses, speculative behaviour, and high volatility” which can trigger problematic behaviors similar to how gambling can. Gamban does not block “investment websites offering long-term, non-speculative products”, nor does it stop registrants from being exposed to gambling advertising.
“Michigan is committed to ensuring that the expansion of legal gaming comes with the strongest possible safeguards for our residents,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “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.”
A non-customizable blocker that is difficult to remove
Gamban has been offering a centralized self-exclusion process for its partners since at least 2018. It gives users the opportunity to install the self-exclusion software free for periods ranging from one to five years and is described by the MGCB as intentionally difficult to remove once installed. It is not possible to choose which content is blocked; once Gamban is installed, all listed categories are inaccessible.
The MGCB does not force residents who opt in to using Gamban to also join the existing online statewide self-exclusion database. It does encourage people who have used the state’s other problem gambling support services to enroll with Gamban.
“We are delighted to partner with the Michigan Gaming Control Board to make Gamban free for people where cost might otherwise be a barrier,” added Gamban Director of External Affairs Matt Zarb-Cousin. “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.”
Cost often can present a barrier to accessing resources, which this partnership seeks to address.
“Gamban helps people take back control, and this partnership ensures that anyone in Michigan who wants that help can get it – free of charge,” said MGCB Responsible Gaming Section Manager, Sandra Johnson.
Michigan takes hardline stance on unlicensed gambling
The MGCB has been one of the most active state gaming regulators in trying to force the exit of platforms that it deems to be offering gambling-equivalent products without a state license.
In April 2026, it announced it had issued C&Ds to another 45 unlicensed gambling operators that offer either online casino gaming or sports betting, after a series of investigations.
Prediction markets have also been in the crosshairs. Last October, Williams sent a notice to all licensed operators and suppliers to warn them about any thoughts of exploring offering sporting event contracts, stressing that such would contravene state gambling law.
In March, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sued Kalshi in state court, seeking a permanent injunction to stop the platform from offering sports event contracts in the Great Lakes State.
