Independent testing lab, Ecogra, has gained both iGaming and sports betting supplier licenses by Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), which authorizes the company to function statewide as an independent testing laboratory (ITL).
The approval marks the group’s efforts toward ongoing expansion throughout the US. The company currently operates in Pennsylvania, Colorado and New Jersey.
Online gaming operators in Michigan will have access to Ecogra's regulatory certifications, due to the approval. The company is the first non-US-based testing lab to be granted certification by the MGCB.
Company CEO Shaun McCallaghan described the approval as a significant move.
He said: “We are committed to expanding our service offering to new jurisdictions that are important to our clients and will continue pursuing approvals where our services are required, being the preferred ITL.
“Authorization to operate in Michigan by the highly respected MGCB is a significant achievement and step forward for Ecogra.”
In other state news, the Michigan Gaming Control Board recently recommended that parents communicate with their “tween” and young adult children about responsible gaming safety due to compelling research conducted by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG).
Michigan’s board said parents can combat potentially harmful habits regarding online gambling with a few simple tools. It suggested parents utilize the parental control features on electronic devices, create central spaces with adult supervision where youth can use their devices and have open and honest conversations.
Studies from the ICRG have found that between 2% and 7% of youth struggle with problem gambling. This rate among young people has “remained fairly steady” during the past two decades, according to the ICRG.
