To combat the hidden scourge of human trafficking within the gaming industry, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) hosted a key training session last Wednesday, aiming to bolster awareness and preventative strategies against this pervasive injustice. The event, christened "Overview of the Dynamics of Human Trafficking," assembled industry staff, survivor voices, and anti-trafficking advocates to shed light on the grim realities and requisite responses to human trafficking.
Highlighted by the firsthand account of Jessica Kay, a survivor of domestic violence, trafficking, and homelessness, and speakers from specialized organizations such as Anchored Hope and Ring True, the training impressed upon casino staff the gravity and proximity of trafficking within their venues, and the crucial signs to watch for, according to Michigan Gaming Control Board, Jessica Kay underscored the impact of education in her statement where she said, "When you know what to look for, you can save lives," and emphasized the power each individual holds to effect change and aid those ensnared by traffickers.
Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director, affirmed the agency's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations by equipping staff with the knowledge needed to spot and act on potential trafficking situations, stating, "Raising awareness through training is one of the most effective tools we have in preventing human trafficking," in a statement detailed by Michigan Gaming Control Board. This collaborative approach, which brings together advocacy groups and state agencies, aims to create a united front against traffickers.
The session also provided attendees information on the psychological and physical effects trafficking has on victims how individuals can connect victims with resources and law enforcement when necessary, often human trafficking goes unnoticed, mistaken for smuggling, which lacks the coercion element inherent in trafficking cases, this can lead to underreporting and a lack of timely intervention, a key difference attendees were educated on, as the National Human Trafficking Hotline documented 254 cases involving 506 victims in Michigan alone for the year 2023, painting a stark picture of the issue at hand and the need for such targeted educational initiatives. For help regarding human trafficking, one can reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. At the same time, those with gambling issues are pointed towards resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline and the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website.
