Double Down Michigan: A Podcast by the Michigan Gaming Control Board

In this episode of Double Down Michigan, Executive Director Henry Williams sits down with Lori Mello, Program Manager of MDHHS’s Gambling Helpline and Treatment Program, in recognition of September as Responsible Gaming Education Month. Lori brings decades of experience in social work, counseling, and community-based support to a conversation about how Michigan helps residents affected by problem gambling.
 
The conversation covers what responsible gaming really means, where it differs from problem gambling, and how Lori’s background working with at-risk families, domestic violence survivors, and other vulnerable populations shapes her approach to both prevention and treatment. Along the way, Lori shares what she wishes more people understood about gambling responsibly — and how the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s responsible gaming mission fits into the bigger picture of player protection.
 
Whether you're in the gaming industry, know someone affected by problem gambling, or simply want to understand the resources available in Michigan, this episode shines a light on the human side of responsible gaming. 
If you or someone you know needs help, the Michigan Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-270-7117. 
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In this episode of Double Down Michigan, Executive Director Henry Williams sits down with David Hicks and Tom Shouldice — the Manager and Audit Manager of the iGaming Audit Section — at the Michigan Gaming Control Board, for a look inside the fastest-growing corner of Michigan’s gaming industry. David and Tom break down what it actually takes to audit an online casino platform, from verifying reported revenue to making sure every licensed operator is meeting the same rigorous standards as their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
 
The conversation covers how technology has changed the way the agency monitors compliance, what triggers a deeper look into an operator, and how the audit process ultimately protects Michigan players. Along the way, David and Tom share what the public doesn’t typically see — and where they think iGaming regulation is headed next.
 
Whether you're a gaming industry professional, a policy wonk, or just curious how online betting is kept honest, this episode pulls back the curtain on the people and processes behind Michigan’s iGaming oversight.
 
 
 
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In this episode of Double Down Michigan, Executive Director Henry Williams sits down with Jason Wiard and Steven Meyer, two commercial casino audit managers at the Michigan Gaming Control Board, for a candid conversation about what it really means to regulate one of Michigan's most dynamic industries. From the nuts and bolts of compliance audits to the complexities of revenue oversight, Jason and Steven break down what the agency is actually looking for when it walks through a casino's doors — and why it matters.
 
The conversation also turns to the rapidly evolving world of casino gaming, exploring how online platforms tied to Detroit's three commercial casinos are audited, monitored, and held to the same standards of accountability as their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Along the way, the guys share what the public doesn't see behind the scenes and where they see the industry heading.
 
Whether you're a gaming industry professional, a policy wonk, or simply someone who's ever wondered who's watching the watchers — this episode offers a rare, inside look at the people and processes keeping Michigan's commercial gaming industry honest.
 

 
 
 
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In this episode of Double Down Michigan, Executive Director Henry Williams sits down with John, the manager of the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s Criminal Investigations Section (CIS), for an inside look at one of the agency’s most essential — and least visible — functions.
The CIS serves as the MGCB’s law enforcement and investigative backbone, working alongside the Attorney General’s office, state police, and local agencies to investigate illegal gambling and protect the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry. The section also manages an anonymous tip line for the public, fielding hundreds of leads each year and turning credible information into action.
Whether you’re a Michigan resident curious about how illegal gambling is kept in check, a gaming industry professional, or simply someone who wants to understand how a regulatory agency enforces the law, this episode pulls back the curtain on a critical part of the MGCB’s mission.
 

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In this episode of Double Down Michigan, Executive Director Henry Williams sits down with Keesha Garrett, the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s Communications Manager, for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to elevate the voice of a state regulatory agency. 
Keesha’s work at the MGCB goes far beyond press releases and social media. As the agency’s Communications Manager and Language Access Coordinator, she ensures that Michigan’s diverse communities — regardless of the language they speak — can access and understand the agency’s work. And as People and Culture Manager, she works to build a workplace where staff feel valued, supported, and connected with a shared purpose.
Together, Henry and Keesha explore how all these roles intersect — and why strong communication is at the heart of everything the MGCB does. 
Whether you’re a Michigan resident curious about how your state’s gaming industry is regulated, a gaming industry professional, or simply someone who believes that good government starts with clear and inclusive communication, this episode is for you.
 
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