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MGM Resorts & BetMGM Strengthen Relationship with Kindbridge

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MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced new groundbreaking initiatives in collaboration with Kindbridge designed to support problem gambling research and mental health services. Kindbridge Research Institute and Kindbridge Behavioral Health are organizations that aim to better understand the problems that exist within at-risk communities, delivering evidence-based treatment for gambling disorder.

The partnerships and collaborations break down as follows:

MGM Resorts & Kindbridge Research Institute

As part of its commitment to responsible gaming research, MGM Resorts has donated $100,000 to Kindbridge Research Institute in support of a voluntary medication trial for veterans experiencing gambling addiction in Las Vegas. This first-of-its-kind treatment aims to reduce gambling urges and symptom severity among veterans with gambling disorder.

“This contribution will help explore and identify innovative treatment for a population our company cares deeply about. We have a longstanding commitment to supporting military members and their families year-round and are privileged to invest in research that benefits this important community.”

Research will be completed by treatment providers at the Las Vegas Veterans Affairs Residential Recovery and Renewal Center (LVR3) in partnership with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The study is part of Kindbridge Research Institute’s 50x4vets program, a multi-year research initiative aimed at increasing research on gambling disorder in veterans by fifty times in four years.

“This is such a promising intervention. We are so grateful for MGM Resorts’ support of this research to improve the lives of veterans and extend the work of the many great scientists, treatment providers, and donors of the 50x4vets program,” Nathan D. Smith, Executive Director of Kindbridge Research Institute, said.

BetMGM & Kindbridge Behavioral Health

BetMGM has announced it will expand its relationship with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to offer problem gambling referrals in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. This comes as BetMGM reaches its sixth month in the Kindbridge Colorado Pilot Program.

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“We are proud to lead the way in providing individuals with this potentially life-changing support and are pleased with how the program has performed so far. This expanded investment underscores our dedication to ensuring those who need care can receive it. As access to sports betting and online gaming continues to grow, so should access to problem gambling treatment and care,” Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM, said.

This unprecedented collaboration between an online operator and a treatment provider offers direct access to comprehensive mental health assessments, treatment, and group support services. As a result, a number of Colorado residents who have opted to be banned from gambling through the state’s self-exclusion program are now actively receiving referrals for voluntary treatment from BetMGM.

“We welcome BetMGM’s decision to extend mental health services to players in distress across multiple jurisdictions. This initiative is a positive step toward supporting individuals facing challenges with gambling. It underscores the importance of accessible help and the role we all play in fostering safer gaming environments,” Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, said.

This news comes as MGM Resorts and BetMGM join the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). Throughout the month, new GameSense messaging will be displayed prominently throughout MGM Resorts properties nationwide, as well as in the BetMGM app. GameSense is an industry-leading responsible gaming program first developed and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). The program focuses on positive, transparent, and proactive interactions with guests and customers about how to gamble responsibly.

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Main Street Sports Group Appoints Jim Keller as EVP of Advertising and Sponsorship Sales

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Main Street Sports Group, owner of FanDuel Sports Network, announced the appointment of Jim Keller as Executive Vice President of Advertising and Sponsorship Sales. In this new role, Keller will lead the entire ad sales portfolio for FanDuel Sports Network, overseeing linear, digital, and programmatic efforts. He will report directly to Eric Ratchman, Chief Revenue Officer of Main Street Sports Group.

Keller brings more than two decades of experience driving innovation, operational excellence, and revenue growth across every layer of the media ecosystem, from national networks to digital-first platforms. Most recently serving as Chief Revenue Officer at Fuse Media, Keller previously held executive roles at Warner Bros. Discovery, Hulu, and NBC Universal, leading cross-platform sales teams through industry-shifting transformations and high-growth phases. His background includes oversight of digital, streaming, mobile, addressable, and data-driven advertising, as well as advanced monetization strategies across premium content portfolios spanning sports, entertainment, and news.

“Jim is a proven leader with an exceptional track record across linear, streaming, and digital platforms. As FanDuel Sports Network redefines what local sports media can be – more dynamic, more engaging, and more impactful – Jim’s leadership will be key in creating smarter advertising experiences that deliver real value to our brand partners and local fans alike,” said Eric Ratchman, Chief Revenue Officer of Main Street Sports Group.

“There’s nothing more powerful than the connection a fan has with their local team, and FanDuel Sports Network is building a platform that truly honors that connection. From my earliest days as a sports seller at NBC Sports, to leading some of the industry’s most innovative ad strategies, I’ve always believed that the strongest media experiences are rooted in content and community. FanDuel Sports Network’s focus on building relevant, local, multiplatform fan experiences is exactly what the industry and advertisers need right now, and I couldn’t be more excited to help drive the next phase of growth,” said Keller.

Keller’s deep expertise in building modern ad operations, forging high-impact partnerships, and unlocking value across multiplatform products will be instrumental as FanDuel Sports Network continues to evolve into the future of local sports media. Main Street Sports Group’s continued transformation is rooted in reimagining local sports coverage, not just distributing games, but uniting the brands, features, and experiences fans want, tailored to each market.

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Accor Arrives on The Strip with Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection

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Accor, in partnership with businessman and casino owner Phil Ruffin, announced the signing of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection. The salient 2884 key property overlooks the city’s premier racing circuit and features some of the best panoramic views of Las Vegas. To be operated under a franchise agreement with Accor when it officially debuts later this year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins a global portfolio of carefully curated hotels and becomes the second Handwritten Collection address in the US, following Hotel Stratford San Francisco – Handwritten Collection last year. The signing further increases Accor’s presence in the Americas region, with more than 550 hotels open and operating, and reflects the Group’s growing presence across North America.

“The city’s tagline is ‘What happens here, only happens here’, and certainly there is no other place in the world where a collaboration of this scale and significance could come together. The union of Treasure Island and Handwritten Collection creates a one-of-a-kind guest journey, where connections are treasured, wonder is discovered, and every stay is a narrative waiting to unfold. We are incredibly proud to partner with Mr. Ruffin and confident that together we can create a bigger and bolder future for this iconic hotel now that it sits within the Handwritten Collection portfolio and part of the Accor network,” said Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer at Accor.

With more than 40 million visitors drawn to Las Vegas each year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is set to offer a truly memorable stay for those seeking genuine hospitality in the heart of the world’s entertainment capital. The franchise partnership between Accor and Treasure Island includes Handwritten Collection brand support, along with Accor’s full global array of services, including sales & marketing, distribution, and loyalty. The hotel will benefit from exposure to the ALL Accor loyalty program – one of the largest and most globally diversified loyalty databases in the world, with 100+ million members and growing.

“Treasure Island has long held a special place in the story of Las Vegas, and I am certain that Accor and Handwritten Collection will further enrich its legacy and attract new generations of guests and visitors. This next chapter brings new energy to the resort while preserving its unmistakable spirit. We are proud to align with Accor – a global leader in hospitality whose values resonate deeply with ours, and we look forward to a successful and long-lasting partnership,” said Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

As the newest entrant to Handwritten Collection, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins over 25 hotels now open and more than 35 addresses in the pipeline. Standing as a beacon of individuality in the global hospitality sector, Handwritten Collection properties weave character and personality into the guest experience, making every stay unique.

At Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection, the distinct design and whimsical personality of the hotel, inspired by the classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson, carries through the guest experience, inviting travelers to rediscover their childhood spirit. Many of the hotel’s best-known features and perks, as conceived by Mr. Ruffin, will continue to be honored, such as free valet and self-parking.

The hotel has also recently been transformed by a multi-million-dollar refresh, blending contemporary comfort with thoughtful design elements, ensuring the energy of Las Vegas shines through in every detail. A breezy, sociable lobby overlooks a tropical pool, where intuitive self-check-in is complemented by a 24-hour guest relations team ready to offer a warm welcome. The resort features 10 diverse dining venues and eight upscale lounges and bars, including beloved options such as Phil’s Steak House, Golden Circle Sports Bar, and the popular Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que.

The luxurious Oleksandra Spa & Salon is a favorite among guests and residents, part of the resort’s tapestry of experiences filled with local flair. Lively entertainment venues, elegant wedding chapels, state-of-the-art event spaces, and 90,000 sq. ft. of casino and gaming add to the attractions, while the hotel connects to Fashion Show Las Vegas, the largest mall in the city. The famed Mystère – the original Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas – performs at the Treasure Island theatre, having been honored eight times as ‘Best Production Show’ and continues to enchant audiences, underscoring the property’s connection to the city’s enduring sense of wonder.

Guestrooms and suites at Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection offer breathtaking views of the famed Las Vegas Strip, Sphere Las Vegas, and the stunning Spring Mountains that encircle the Nevada horizon. Signature SensaTIonalTM pillowtop beds, generous soaking bathtubs or whirlpools, marble finishes and upscale amenities ensure stays are as restorative as they are inspiring.

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Aligning with Accor’s sustainability commitments, the hotel was awarded a Four Green Globes certification by the Green Building Initiative. The certification reflects meaningful improvements in energy and water efficiency, air quality and resource management – further aligning the hotel with conscientious travelers.

“We are thrilled to bring Accor to Las Vegas and to provide our ALL Accor members and guests here in the United States, as well as those visiting from around the globe, with an incredible opportunity to stay at this emblematic property – now the largest Accor hotel in the world. The addition of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is a milestone achievement, not only for our Handwritten Collection portfolio, but for Accor’s growing presence of exclusively selected properties in the U.S. market,” said Thomas Dubaere, CEO PM&E, Accor Americas.

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Rush Street Gaming Taps Scott Lokke to Lead Rivers Casino Philadelphia

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Rush Street Gaming announced the appointment of Scott Lokke as general manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia.

A gaming executive with more than 30 years of casino and hotel experience, Lokke joins the Philadelphia team from Cleveland, where he most recently served as senior vice president and general manager of JACK Cleveland Casino. He spent the past decade with JACK Entertainment and the 12 years prior with Caesars Entertainment.

“Having worked in Cleveland, Las Vegas and other major metropolitan areas, Scott is highly qualified to lead the Philly team. His achievements in gaming operations, combined with his hospitality expertise in restaurants and entertainment, uniquely position him to build on Rivers’ success,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming.

Lokke’s career in the hospitality industry began at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Starwood Hotels directing food and beverage operations, followed by roles at Harrah’s casinos in St. Louis and Kansas City. He then advanced to vice president of hospitality enterprise shared services with Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas before ultimately taking on leadership positions in Cleveland.

As a senior property leader, Lokke excels in exceptional guest service, operational leadership, community involvement and Team Member engagement.

“I’m thrilled to build on the strong foundation the team already has in place. I’m committed to leading the team in delivering exceptional experiences, results and engagement. It’s truly my honor to be part of this team,” said Lokke.

Lokke is a graduate of Park University in Kansas City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In recent years, he served on the boards of the Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation, the Cleveland Group Planning Commission and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

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