[NEWS RELEASE] Michigan Gaming Control Board hosts human trafficking awareness training

Carla Schulte, Deputy Director of Casino Operations for the Michigan Gaming Control Board, speaks to attendees during a human trafficking awareness training held on April 16, 2025, at Cadillac Place in Detroit.

DETROIT, April 21, 2025 — As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring safety within Michigan’s licensed gaming establishments, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) recently hosted a training session titled “Overview of the Dynamics of Human Trafficking.” The April 16 event focused on increasing awareness and understanding of human trafficking, its impact, and strategies to address and prevent it within the gaming industry.

Speakers included Jessica Kay, a survivor of domestic violence, trafficking, and homelessness; Tiffany Martinez, Project Director with the Division of Victim Services at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); representatives from Anchored Hope, a nonprofit organization based in southwest Detroit that provides outreach to individuals who are being trafficked and support to survivors of trafficking; and Ring True, a jewelry company dedicated to empowering human trafficking survivors by offering meaningful employment and business learning opportunities.

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

Jessica Kay, a survivor and advocate, shared her powerful personal story, underscoring the vital role of community education in disrupting trafficking networks.

“When you know what to look for, you can save lives,” Kay said. “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.”

The session provided critical insights into how trafficking occurs, the psychological and physical impact on victims, and how casino staff can spot red flags and respond responsibly. Participants also learned how to connect suspected victims with appropriate resources and law enforcement when needed.

U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone into labor, services, or commercial sex against their will. For minors involved in commercial sex acts, any exchange of sex for something of value constitutes trafficking—regardless of coercion. Human trafficking often goes unrecognized and is frequently mistaken for human smuggling, which involves the transportation of individuals without the elements of force or coercion.

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.

The MGCB continues to partner with law enforcement, victim advocacy organizations, and state agencies to protect Michigan communities from the devastating effects of trafficking.

If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking and needs help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, or use the webchat at humantraffickinghotline.org. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 200 languages.