MGM Resorts International and BetMGM on Thursday announced a joint $1 million raise to their commitment to responsible gaming.
The money will be directed to approving research work, educating the public, creating community partnerships, and employee engagement in safety programs.
The partnership will also include collaborating with the National Council on Problem Gambling to host Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March.
MGM Resorts Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer Stephen Martino said:
As sports betting continues to grow, so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers. Investing in high quality research allows us to be guided by valuable data and insights, which will ultimately help us support our patrons, communities and industry.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM, through a partnership, have allocated $450,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming to support a new research study on sports betting and its effects on players’ behavior. The money from this donation will allow for the independent, peer-reviewed research that aims at determining best practices and promoting long-term sustainability in the gaming industry.
Over three years, the study will investigate the various influences on the sports betting behavior of different groups, including decision-making and risk-taking patterns. It will also consider the latest trends and preventive measures aimed at enhancing responsible gaming practices in the industry.
BetMGM Chief Compliance Officer Rhea Loney said:
Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an important reminder of our year-round responsibility to assist and empower our players. We prioritize player protection by investing in education, tools, collaboration, and meaningful support resources. Our commitment remains clear: to help every player make informed decisions and enjoy our products safely.
By 2026, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will contribute more than $850, 000 towards problem gambling prevention, treatment, and responsible gaming programs, with funds being shared between local and national organizations. Being an original member, MGM Resorts will maintain its support for the annual Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference and will integrate the organization’s leadership into their employee responsible gaming training programs.
Through a joint GameSense program, which was developed and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will continue to promulgate responsible gaming messages on their casino floors, sportsbooks, and digital channels, not only in March but also in the future.
Simultaneously, MGM Resorts will be introducing a new campaign called Earn More. Play Smart, which will blend MGM Rewards with responsible gaming reminders. The initiative aims to emphasize that being a member carries a side of responsibility as well as a rewarding side.
BetMGM’s hockey-themed responsible gaming ad Mullet Over, featuring ambassador Connor McDavid, will still be available during major sports broadcasts in North America and will also be a highlight at MGM Resorts properties.
BetMGM is teaming up for the sixth straight year with EPIC Global Solutions to provide employees with live sessions that convey the emotional side of problem gambling, thus helping them empathize with problem gamblers.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM will organize a social media and internal communications campaign with responsible gaming executive leadership as the highlight.
The two companies will continue to offer their staff comprehensive responsible gaming training backed by research. Besides, they will keep their joint venture with the American Gaming Association’s public service campaign “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” as well as the “Play Smart from the Start” program.
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