Michigan Expands Free Gamban Licenses for Residents

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has expanded its partnership with Gamban, providing an additional 100 free licenses for Michigan residents to access gambling-blocking software. The move follows overwhelming demand for the initial licenses, with more than 80 of the first 100 claimed within two weeks of the program’s launch in April 2026.

Gamban is a widely recognized software solution designed to restrict access to online gambling websites and applications across all major devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Each license covers unlimited household devices, and the company provides live technical support for installation assistance. MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams emphasized the importance of this expansion, noting in the regulator’s press release, “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.”

Expanding Responsible Gaming Tools

Michigan residents can claim a free Gamban license for one to five years, without needing to be enrolled in the state’s existing self-exclusion programs. The initiative is part of the MGCB’s broader responsible gaming strategy, which includes the Disassociated Persons List for Detroit casinos, the Responsible Gaming Database for online self-exclusion, and public awareness campaigns such as “Don’t Regret the Bet.” According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, roughly 2% of Americans meet the criteria for gambling addiction, highlighting the need for accessible harm reduction tools.

Gamban’s software is designed to block all online gambling content, extending beyond licensed operators to cover unregulated and offshore sites. This includes casino games, sports betting, poker, slots, sweepstakes-style social casinos, crypto gambling, and NFT-based wagering platforms. The software aims to provide comprehensive coverage without interfering with non-gambling activities, ensuring that everyday digital tasks remain unaffected.

How to Access a Free License

Claiming a license is straightforward. Residents must visit the MGCB responsible gaming webpage, select the Gamban offer, create an account, and install the software across all personal devices. Gamban’s live technical support is available to assist with installation, ensuring that even users unfamiliar with the software can implement it effectively.

The MGCB highlighted that removing financial barriers was a critical component of the program. Gamban director of external affairs Matt Zarb-Cousin noted, “We are delighted to partner with the Michigan Gaming Control Board to make Gamban free for people where cost might otherwise be a barrier. 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.”

The MGCB’s Gamban initiative complements other responsible gaming measures, providing residents with a practical and effective tool to manage or eliminate their exposure to online gambling. By combining self-exclusion programs, awareness campaigns, and device-level blocking, the MGCB aims to create a layered approach to harm reduction. As Williams stated, “These additional licenses mean more Michigan residents can take back control, free of charge.”