LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Gaming Control Board is expanding its partnership with Gamban after overwhelming public demand for the gambling‑blocking software, the agency announced Friday.
More than 80 of the state’s initial 100 free Gamban licenses were claimed within the first two weeks of the program’s launch, prompting regulators to purchase an additional 100 licenses to ensure continued access for residents seeking help managing their online gambling behavior.
“The response from Michigan residents in the first two weeks of this program exceeded our expectations and speaks to a genuine need in our communities,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement. “We acted quickly to secure an additional 100 licenses so that no resident seeking this kind of support is turned away.”
Gamban is widely regarded as one of the most effective tools for blocking access to online gambling. The software restricts casino, sports betting, poker, slots, social casino, crypto‑gambling and NFT wagering sites across major operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows and macOS. Licenses cover unlimited household devices and are designed to be difficult to remove, offering a durable barrier for individuals trying to limit or eliminate online gambling.
Part of Michigan’s Broader Responsible Gaming Strategy
Michigan first partnered with Gamban in April 2026, making the software available free of charge to any resident — even those not enrolled in the state’s self‑exclusion program. Licenses ranging from one to five years are offered at no cost, removing what regulators say is a significant financial barrier for people seeking help.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, roughly 2% of Americans — about six million people — meet the criteria for gambling addiction. Michigan’s rapid expansion of online casinos and sports betting has heightened the need for accessible consumer‑protection tools, Williams said.
“The strong response to this program tells us that residents want accessible, device‑level support — and we intend to keep delivering it,” he said. “These additional licenses mean more Michigan residents can take back control, free of charge.”
How Michigan Residents Can Access a Free Gamban License
Residents can obtain a license through the MGCB’s responsible gaming portal:
- Visit michigan.gov/mgcb/resources/responsible-gaming/gamban
- Select the free Gamban license offer and create an account
- Download and install Gamban on all personal devices
- Contact Gamban’s live support team for installation assistance if needed
The MGCB said it will continue monitoring demand and may expand the program further if necessary.
