May 21, 2026
Strong uptake of initial offering — with more than 80 licenses claimed in the first two weeks — prompts swift expansion of free gambling blocking software program
DETROIT, May 21, 2026 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) today announced the purchase of an additional 100 free Gamban licenses for Michigan residents, following extraordinary demand for the program since its launch. More than 80 of the initial 100 licenses were claimed within the first two weeks alone — a clear signal that Michigan residents are actively seeking practical tools to help them manage or eliminate their access to online gambling.
Gamban is the world's leading gambling blocking software, restricting access to gambling websites and applications across all major devices and platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. The software is designed to be highly resistant to removal, offering users a meaningful barrier between themselves and online gambling content. A single license covers unlimited household devices, and live technical support is available through Gamban for installation assistance.
"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," said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. "We acted quickly to secure an additional 100 licenses so that no resident seeking this kind of support is turned away. Michigan is committed to ensuring that the expansion of legal gaming comes with the strongest possible safeguards for the people we serve."
The MGCB's original partnership with Gamban, announced in April 2026, made the blocking software available free of charge to any Michigan resident — with no requirement to be enrolled in a self-exclusion program. Licenses ranging from one to five years were offered at no cost, removing the financial barrier that might otherwise prevent residents from accessing this level of protection. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 2% of Americans — roughly six million people — meet the criteria for a gambling addiction, and Michigan's experience with expanded digital gambling access makes robust consumer protection tools all the more essential.
Gamban blocks all online gambling content regardless of regulatory status — including casino games, sports betting, poker, slots, social casinos, crypto gambling, and NFT-based wagering — providing comprehensive coverage that extends beyond licensed Michigan operators to include unregulated and black-market sites.
"The strong response to this program tells us that residents want accessible, device-level support — and we intend to keep delivering it," Williams added. "These additional licenses mean more Michigan residents can take back control, free of charge."
How to Claim a Free Gamban License
Michigan residents can claim a free license in four simple steps:
The Gamban program is part of the MGCB's broader responsible gaming strategy, which also includes the Disassociated Persons List for Detroit's commercial casinos, the Responsible Gaming Database for online self-exclusion, and the “Don’t Regret the Bet” awareness campaign. Together, these resources create a layered approach to harm reduction — combining voluntary self-exclusion with device-level blocking technology to support residents at every stage of their journey.
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