Episode 38: Responsible Gaming and Youth Awareness

In this episode of Double Down Michigan, Executive Director Henry Williams sits down with Bri’Ona Taylor and Stina Lyles from the Responsible Gaming Section to discuss how the agency is expanding education and outreach efforts across Michigan. The conversation explores the role of responsible gaming, how outreach has grown to reach new audiences, and why education is key to addressing gambling risks — especially for young people.

Listeners will also learn more about the new Boosters Program, a statewide initiative led by the Michigan Gaming Control Board in partnership with King Media. Designed for school-affiliated booster clubs, the program provides free, evidence-based resources to help parents, coaches, and students better understand youth gambling risks.
 

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Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:09

On the Double Down Michigan podcast, we explore topics related to the gaming industry in Michigan. Host Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director, discusses responsible gaming, the latest gaming legislation in our state, industry news, latest trends, and more. We feature special guests from the gaming industry so you can get the inside scoop. Be sure to subscribe to Double Down Michigan, a podcast by the Michigan Gaming Control Board to stay up to date on the latest in gaming. Thank you for listening.

SPEAKER_04 1:13

And it's always a party when I get to take over hosting for our executive director. Hello everybody, and welcome to this episode of the Double Down Michigan Podcast, where we spotlight the work and people behind the Michigan Gaming Control Board. I am Jasmine Tompkins, the Director of External Affairs and Responsible Gaming Section, a new title. I'm happy to be filling in for Henry today, and I'm very excited to be joined by two of our responsible gaming section members, Brianna Taylor and Stina Lyle. Welcome, y'all. Thank you. Brianna and Stina both serve as departmental analysts and play a key role in advancing our responsible gaming education and outreach efforts. So thanks for being here. Thank you for having us. It'll be super easy and fun. I say whenever I host a lot of laughs, but we can edit it out. So we're going to start with some welcome and background of Brianna and Stina before we deep dive into the questions about responsible gaming. Can you briefly introduce yourself and share your roles within the section?

SPEAKER_01 2:20

Okay, I'll be glad to go first. My name is Stina Lyles. And as Jasmine stated before, I am a departmental analyst with the Responsible Gaming section, with the Gaming Control Board. I have been with the Gaming Board now for 26 years. And I have also been with Responsible Gaming going on three years. So it's been a joy, it's been a pleasure working with gaming, especially with the responsible gaming section, just learning more, getting out there, meeting people, and just helping people. And I'm I'm glad to be working here. Yeah. 26 years. It's a long time. 1999.

SPEAKER_04 3:06

What about you, Brianna?

SPEAKER_03 3:07

Yes, as she stated, I'm Brianna Taylor. I'm a departmental analyst as well. Um, I've been with the agency, I believe this is my fifth year.

SPEAKER_05 3:15

Oh, me too.

SPEAKER_03 3:16

Yay. Um, so yeah, our roles are ever-changing um outside of our day-to-day with processing, the DPLs and the RGDs. We are big into outreach, and I personally have kind of taken on a bigger role from the creative side as far as developing new materials and our branding, our marketing, and all those good things. Yes, y'all have been doing a great job. Thank you. Thank you.

SPEAKER_04 3:41

Thank you for joining the section. I'm very excited. Uh, all right, another question for the both of you. What drew each of you to this work and what keeps you motivated to continue on? Brianna, you want to start this one?

SPEAKER_03 3:53

Sure. Um, what drew me to this work, um, it was really an opportunity to serve people in a new way. Um, I'm naturally like a helpful person. I naturally like helping people, taking care of them in different ways. So when I saw this role, initially interest drew me to it because I wasn't sure what the agency was or what it did. But when I found out, I was like, oh yeah, this is perfect. Just another way to help people. Like even before I came here, I have service-based background. I was at DHS as a payments worker. Before that, I was at a nursing home. I've done client relations at a mortgage company, nonprofit with youth. So people are my jam. What keeps me motivated is that same thing. Being able to help people at a point in their life where something may be as heavy as gambling, to give them that safety, that space, and that reassurance and let them know their resources are available.

SPEAKER_01 4:44

Thanks. Absolutely. Yep. So and I agree with Brianna. Um, what got me started was actually um when I first started with gaming, way back when, um the disassociated persons list program was under administration. Um, so myself, Sandra Johnson, and Larry Smith, we were actually involved with the Disassociated Persons List. Um, so I knew about that program um so many years ago. So as the program has evolved, um, when this particular uh position became available, I was like, oh wow, okay. So I can just kind of go back to where I started, you know. Um and even though, you know, responsible gaming has way more, we're doing way more, we're out there, but the disassociated persons program where you feel like you can help people, as Brianna stated before. Um, so that's kind of my thing too. Just being involved, helping, trying to, you know, just be there for people in in whatever stage is going on in their life. You know.

SPEAKER_04 5:48

Right. Oh, I appreciate you both. This is great. I feel like I'm gonna need this time to learn so much about you. All right, so for the listeners who may not be familiar with your work, what does responsible gaming mean in practice for our agency and the work that you do?

SPEAKER_03 6:08

Um, I can answer. So, in practice, responsible gaming um is about creating that balanced environment where gaming can remain entertainment for adults while also ensuring that the protections and resources are in place for those that may need support if it ever happens. So I always tell people, like even when we're out working the tables, I always tell people the agency doesn't encourage or discourage gaming. We just encourage you to do it responsibly. Right.

SPEAKER_04 6:33

All right, so education and outreach are a big part of your work. What types of audiences does the responsible gaming section engage with most often?

SPEAKER_01 6:42

I could go ahead and take that one. Um we pretty much reach everyone, um from clinicians, um, depending upon the event that we go to. Um, we just came from the um gambling symposium last week. Um so there was more like clinician people, there wasn't um too much like of the public. So depending upon where we go, Brianna and uh Sarah will have an event, a sporting event um outreach that they'll go to Friday. So we'll reach more young people at those events. So it just depends on the type of event that we go to, and we do go to them all. So we're so we're reaching everyone.

SPEAKER_05 7:21

Okay, all right.

SPEAKER_04 7:22

But for any community group that's looking for you, absolutely. Yes. All right, so how has your outreach expanded or evolved in recent years?

SPEAKER_03 7:32

In recent years, um, of course, with the rise in online gaming and sports betting, we've of course had to evolve how we are presenting things. Um, one to for lack of a better phrase, kind of keep it with the Joneses. Like the platforms themselves are putting out engaging content and your favorite celebs are promoting gambling. So we in our own ways are trying to come up with ways to combat some of that with not only just putting out a bunch of information and bland and boring talking, we're trying to make it fun, engaging, um, relatable. So we got our characters, we have our real life people, we have our commercials, our billboards, um, a little bit of everything. Social media, we we've been working on getting in that, and then that also paired with the outreach. Being out there with the people, being able to teach and share them and try to capture them right in that moment, pairing with the schools, being able to catch the young people a little bit sooner, because we know a lot of kids now are starting to mistake gaming and gambling or a certain type of game. Oh no, this isn't gambling.

SPEAKER_01 8:37

Yeah, it is.

SPEAKER_03 8:38

So I we're learning that we have to kind of catch people a little sooner. Back in the day, it was just kind of like, oh yeah, you gotta get them, come call them. Now it's like, oh no, we need to get a little bit more preventive focused and try to get the message out quicker, sooner, and of course, in a way that's appealing.

SPEAKER_04 8:53

Yeah, for sure. Can you share examples of partnerships or community engagements that have helped broaden your reach?

SPEAKER_01 9:02

Sure. Um, absolutely. The community um mental health association, excuse me, I'm losing my voice. Um, so we try to pair with different um organizations, and we're finding new ones all the time. So I may not give you a full list at this point, but just know that we are um partnering with a lot of people. We have the Black Legacy Coalition, um, and we're meeting these people, and then they introduce us to other people. Um, so every event we go to, we're finding that we're constantly meeting new people, and they're taking our information, giving it, you know, to whomever, you know, that they need, and then we're reaching out. So even at the the symposium, I made a connection with a lady for another event, and this is totally new. Um, so even though we do um talk to and we organize, you know, with other organizations, we're also meeting new ones as well. Um, so every year it's like we're we're getting more and more and more, which is great.

SPEAKER_04 10:04

Nice.

SPEAKER_03 10:04

So it sounds like word of mouth is our absolutely and plus we're meeting with people that already have a group of people that they're serving. Yeah. So instead of out trying to go fishing, if you will, we're just like, oh, we'll just come straight to the pond. Like they're already here. Yeah. Let's get them share what we have to know, and then sometimes they have things that help us. Like we're not clinicians. So they're able to give us their referral in exchange. I love that.

SPEAKER_04 10:25

Yeah. All right. What gaps or needs have you seen that helped shape newer outreach efforts?

SPEAKER_03 10:32

I think it'll probably go back to what I said earlier, gaps regarding how quickly we're introducing some of these things. Like me, myself personally, I feel like gambling should start getting weaved into the curriculum. Like the health classes, how we you know, we all had sex ed, we had the the drinking and driving. I think we're getting to a place in life where things like this need to get introduced in the schools. Because when you know better, you do better. Again, some of these kids they're playing games or they're not viewing some of these activities as harmful. So I feel like if we go ahead and rip the band-aid off sooner, not saying it'll it's a hundred percent preventative, but at least if you know, like, okay, if I get into this sports gambling thing or if I get into this online betting, there is a risk. While I may enjoy it or I may make a couple dollars, I could look up and be 30 still living at home. I thought that's a problem. But if if you're there because you've lost your job or don't have any money, if you land back at home for the wrong reasons. So I think that would be the primary gap is just getting the information to people sooner. And of course, visibility as a whole. People see our name but weren't really clear about who we are, what we do, who we serve. They call they still call here, screaming and yelling at us. You took my money, like actually no. And we're gonna make sure they don't take your money. So I think for me, I would say visibility and just getting the information out sooner, or prevention, if you will, would be the primary gaps.

SPEAKER_04 12:02

Yeah, I agree with that. In my outreach efforts, I'm always telling them don't let this be like sex or we just assume that we don't talk about it, kids aren't doing it. Right. Um, introducing these topics earlier is a great segue into the boosters program. So, can we talk a little bit about the new boosters program that the board just recently announced in conjunction with King Media? What is it and why is it important for us to launch this initiative?

SPEAKER_03 12:27

Yeah, so the boosters program is a new initiative that we developed in partnership with King Media. It's an extension of our Don't Regret the Bet campaign. It provides booster clubs with gambling risk educational resources. Um, the idea is to help booster organizations raise funds in a responsible way while also promoting awareness about gambling risks among youth.

SPEAKER_04 12:49

Okay, nice. I love that. That sounds great. Who is eligible to participate in this program?

SPEAKER_01 12:55

So the program requirements must be a school affiliated 501c3, uh booster organization, agree to display MGCB approved messaging and submit a short application form and comply with basic reporting guidelines.

SPEAKER_04 13:08

All right, how can booster clubs use these resources to reach parents, coaches, and students?

SPEAKER_03 13:14

So the booster clubs can use these resources to help educate parents, coaches, um, students about um gaming risk among youth and why it's meant to be entertainment purposes only for adults. Um, also it provides information that can help start the conversation that you know may be uncomfortable and it gives school communities support while they're fundraising. So it's a two-for-one.

SPEAKER_04 13:40

Nice, good job. Uh, how does this program support prevention through education while reinforcing that gambling is meant to be entertainment for adults?

SPEAKER_03 13:49

So for me, I feel like the program reinforces prevention by making sure that education happens. Um, of course, nothing is a hundred percent preventative, but at least if people know what they're engaging in or what the risk or what the potential harm is up front, that helps. At least we just want to plant the seed at minimum. We can't guarantee it, but at least if we can plant the seed, make them aware, let them know what the signs are, give them the resources if it does become a problem.

SPEAKER_04 14:16

Yeah, that's great. I'm excited for boosters. Um what kind of impact do you hope the boosters program will have statewide?

SPEAKER_01 14:23

Well, we obviously hope that it's it's just gonna take us to the next level. Um, we do hope that a lot of schools will take advantage um of the program. We're still getting more familiar with it as well, but um, with the don't regret the bet, um, with all of the materials and everything that we can provide, we're just hoping that they just really take advantage of it. It's a very serious program, but it can also, you know, it's a very helpful program and it's needed.

SPEAKER_04 14:50

Okay. How can organizations or individuals learn more to get involved?

SPEAKER_03 14:54

Organizations who are interested can learn more by, of course, visiting our website, uh don't regret the bet.org. Um, or so even the Michigan Gaming Control Board website. You can reach us from all facets. Either way, it's it's gonna get to us.

SPEAKER_04 15:07

Okay, nice. I'm very excited to see what boosters end up bringing. I need to. It has a lot of potential, yeah. Yeah, I'm excited for just the direction that we're going with responsible gaming.

SPEAKER_01 15:16

Absolutely, yes.

SPEAKER_04 15:17

All right, well, thank you both for sharing those insights on the program and our new boosters program. It's been great to hear about your roles and your responsibilities. Before we wrap up, we always like to end some of the episodes with a few quick, fun questions so our listeners can get to know you a little better on a personal level. Are you good with that? Sure. All right, let's go for it. Number one, if you had to describe your job using only one word, what would it be?

SPEAKER_01 15:45

Fulfilling. And I say that because even if you can just help one person, it makes you feel good. Because these programs are successful. You know, depending upon where you are in your life and you take advantage of what's out there to help you, um you know, it it's good to to have that feeling that you've helped someone.

SPEAKER_05 16:08

Okay.

SPEAKER_03 16:10

For me, I guess I would have to say probably fluid. It's it's ever changing, you know, as soon as we kind of get settled in a rule or act or a procedure or a way of doing things. Very true. Something changes, the world changes, and we have to become accustomed and change and keep up. So I would say it's it's definitely fluid. The industry is keeping us employed. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 16:32

That's a wonderful thing. Love it.

SPEAKER_04 16:35

Okay, so you both have traveled quite a bit all over the state joining community groups and whatnot. What's one spot in Michigan that you've been to that everyone should visit at least once?

SPEAKER_01 16:47

I would say Traverse City. Oh, I love Travis. I I um I love it. Um beaches, wineries, things like that. Make it, make it there. Yes.

SPEAKER_03 16:59

Okay, okay. Well, I have to say, I'd have to go to Mackinac then. Um I love Mackinac Island. I think it's one of our little hidden treasures. It's unique. I tell people all the time, like, Michigan has a whole nother world. Yes. Like, yeah, it sure does. The UP, that whole the thumb, you could just you can go all over. But to me, Mackinac's kind of special to my heart. Capture is like the uniqueness and the it gives you a different feel. Especially if you're a city girl. You're enjoying fudge up there. I love it's a requirement. Fudge, bike riding, and the horses.

SPEAKER_04 17:31

Yeah, those are my favorite. They I have done uh once up there at horse ride around the tour that they do around the island. Yep, that's exactly what I did. It's beautiful. I was like emotion. That's great. Um, and if anybody's listening that doesn't even live in Michigan, just come here.

SPEAKER_01 17:46

Right. Absolutely so much.

SPEAKER_04 17:51

Um, okay. If you weren't working in public service, what's a completely different career you might have pursued?

SPEAKER_01 17:58

I think you ladies probably both know the answer to that. But the listeners don't. So I would be involved in helping animals or working with animals. I love animals. I love animals. I have an older dog right now. Um, she's 16 years old. Shout out to Max. Shout out to Max. And um, she's still doing very well. She had an injury. Um, it's just it's so crazy because they have their own personalities. They they really do. And she had a pretty bad injury last year, but I tell you, she came back. Those veterinarians wanted me to put her down, and I refused. I refuse. Um, but she's doing well. Um, but I would have you gotten for sure into um an occupation where I could help animals. Okay. Yes.

unknown 18:55

Okay.

SPEAKER_03 18:56

For me, um, it would probably definitely be fashion or and or marketing. Um, fun fact that is what I went to school for, and that's what my degree is in. Um but even outside of that, like another fun fact, which people may or may not know about me, I have like an obscene amount of medical knowledge. And I'm actually like really good. And I dreamed of being a doctor, and I wanted to specialize in diagnostics. I'm actually pretty good. I didn't know that. Yes, like it freaks my family out. I'm like, oh, you might even go get your kidney checked. Or you know, when's the last time you had a blood draw? I'm like, I think your ketones might be a little off. So it I'm a walking Gray's anatomy. Like, I love it.

SPEAKER_04 19:37

So next time I get ready to type it in the Google.

SPEAKER_03 19:50

She has helped me a couple of times. She really has.

SPEAKER_01 20:01

Always right. You never know. She was right in my case. Oh, yes, she was. I'm right. I know.

SPEAKER_04 20:11

Okay, well, good. I will say thank you both for sharing your insights and for the work you do every day to support responsible gaming across Michigan. For more information on responsible gaming initiatives and the boosters program, visit the Don't Regret the Bet website at don't regretthebet.org. And thank you to our listeners for tuning in to the Double Down Michigan. We hope you enjoy getting to know our responsible gaming team a little better. Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast so you don't miss future episodes where we highlight the people, priorities, and work that keeps the Michigan gaming industry fair and well regulated. Uh before I say the closing, I will say happy women's month. Happy Women's Month. Happy Women's Month, yes. It was uh international. I'm sure I'll have a full woman-led woman-filled team. I love that. Yes, I think my whole actually area is woman-led and woman team. Yes, it is. Yes. Happy Women's Month all the way to the city. Thanks to you. Thanks to you, thank you. Now, until next time, and thank you for listening.

SPEAKER_02 21:23

On the Double Down Michigan podcast, we explore topics related to the gaming industry which is a good idea. Legislature aspect of four. Gaming control board to stay up to date on the latest in gaming. Thank you for listening.