Michigan Gaming Control Board hosts seminar on human trafficking awareness

The training session aimed to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking within the gaming industry through licensed speakers and survivors.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has hosted a training session aiming to ensure safety within Michigan’s licensed gaming establishments, raising awareness and deepening understanding of human trafficking and how to prevent it within the gaming industry.

The event, named “Overview of the Dynamics of Human Trafficking,” brought together a range of speakers, experts and survivors, including Ring True, a jewelry company offering employment and business development opportunities to survivors of human trafficking, and the non-profit organization Anchored Hope.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stated, “Raising awareness through training is one of the most effective tools we have in preventing human trafficking.” 

He added, “Casinos are public-facing venues that, unfortunately, can be exploited by traffickers. By equipping staff with the knowledge to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond appropriately, we strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable individuals and create safer environments for everyone.”

The seminar aimed to explain how trafficking happens, its effects on victims, and how casino staff can identify warning signs and act responsibly. Participants also learned how to connect suspected victims with the right resources and law enforcement when necessary.

Jessica Kay, a survivor and advocate, highlighted the crucial importance of community education in breaking up trafficking networks while sharing her story. 

She said: “When you know what to look for, you can save lives. Training like this equips people on the front lines to recognize victims who might otherwise go unseen. It took me ten years to go from survivor to thriver – but every person has the power to make a difference simply by choosing to connect, to care, and to act. That’s how real change begins.”

In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline recorded 254 cases in Michigan involving 506 victims, underscoring the urgent need for proactive intervention across industries, including gaming and hospitality.  

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