MGM Resorts International and its joint venture BetMGM are putting more than $1 million behind responsible gaming efforts as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, rolling out new research, partnerships and player protections across their properties and digital platforms.
The Las Vegas-based operator and its online sportsbook arm detailed the expanded commitment this week, saying the money will fund research projects, public outreach and improvements to existing safeguards as legal sports betting and online casino play continue to spread across the country.
A major piece of the investment centers on fresh academic research. MGM Resorts and BetMGM have pledged $450,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming to support a three-year study focused on sports wagering behavior. Researchers will examine how bettors make decisions, how they assess risk and what patterns may signal the need for earlier intervention.
“As sports betting continues to grow so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers,” said Stephen Martino, senior vice president and chief compliance officer for MGM Resorts. “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.”
Rhea Loney, chief compliance officer for BetMGM, added that Problem Gambling Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the companies’ ongoing commitment to player protection and education.
Beyond the research grant, more than $850,000 will be directed to national and state groups that focus on prevention, treatment and responsible gaming education. MGM will again back the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference as a founding sponsor, and council leaders are scheduled to participate in training sessions for company employees.
BetMGM and MGM Resorts’ expanded responsible gaming outreach and training
Inside casinos and online, the companies say players will see a stronger presence for GameSense, the responsible gaming program originally created by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The initiative encourages customers to “take a time-out” and “set a budget,” while offering practical tools such as QR codes, reminders on gaming floors and in-app resources within the BetMGM platform.
MGM and BetMGM report that more than 2,000 employees are now certified GameSense advisors trained to speak with guests about responsible play. During March, BetMGM plans to send dedicated emails to customers showcasing available tools, and MGM Rewards members will receive a survey aimed at gauging how players view the company’s responsible gaming efforts.
This spring, MGM Resorts will introduce a new “Earn More. Play Smart.” campaign that ties responsible play messaging directly to its loyalty program. BetMGM is also continuing to air its responsible gaming commercial featuring hockey star Connor McDavid during major sports broadcasts and within MGM properties.
In addition, BetMGM recently partnered with BetBlocker to expand access to free gambling-blocking software, updated its integrity policy to prohibit athlete harassment, and is again working with EPIC Global Solutions to provide employee sessions built around lived experience with problem gambling.
Featured image: BetMGM / MGM Resorts / Canva
