Revenue and addiction skyrocket in 5 years since law legalizing online gambling | State [Video]

FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – As the Detroit Lions reach their best start to the season since 1934, those watching at home may find the ads for online sports gambling inescapable.

This year marks 5 years since lawmakers passed legislation to allow online gambling in Michigan.

The change went into effect in 2021 and has brought the state a lot of money. Michigan ranks number 1 when it comes to online gambling revenue, generating over $1.9 billion last year alone.

But as revenue has skyrocketed, so have calls to National Problem Gambling Hotline.

“As one may assume, it has exacerbated gambling activity. Even for those that may not have previously frequented the casinos because now there is an avenue to gamble where you don’t have to leave your home, simply pick up your phone and engage that way,” said Alia Lucas, the Program Administrator for Gambling Disorder Prevention and Treatment at MDHHS.

In the last five years, calls from Michigan to the National …