MGM Resorts & BetMGM Commit Over $1 Million to Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have announced a $1 million expanded commitment to responsible gaming research, public awareness, community partnerships, and employee engagement. 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).
Initiatives include the following:
MGM Resorts & BetMGM Support Independent, Evidence-Based Research
MGM Resorts and BetMGM have jointly committed $450,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to fund a new, groundbreaking research initiative examining sports wagering and its impact on player behavior. This contribution will support independent, peer-reviewed research aimed at developing best practices and strengthening long-term industry sustainability.
“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,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts.
Over three years, the research will examine factors that may influence sports betting behaviors, including decision-making and risk patterns across different populations. The study will also explore trends and prevention efforts designed to strengthen industry-wide responsible gaming strategies.
Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM, 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.”
Community & State Support Initiatives
In 2026, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will contribute over $850,000 to state and national organizations focused on problem gambling prevention, treatment, and responsible gaming measures. As a Founding Member, MGM Resorts will continue its sponsorship of the annual Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference and will feature the organization’s leaders in responsible gaming training sessions for employees.
Expanding GameSense Engagement & Employee Certification
Throughout March and beyond, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will increase responsible gaming messaging across casino floors, sportsbooks, and digital platforms through their shared GameSense program, developed and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
This involves:
Expanded nationwide GameSense Advisor training, now exceeding 2000 certified team members equipped to engage guests in proactive conversations and support
Increased responsible gaming visibility across both gaming and non-gaming resort areas, including convention spaces, arenas, theaters, as well as MGM Rewards desks and the BetMGM app, with messages and QR codes reminding players to “take a time-out” and “set a budget”
A Problem Gambling Awareness Month email campaign, featuring GameSense, sent to all BetMGM customers
An MGM Rewards guest survey to measure awareness and perception of responsible gaming initiatives and GameSense
Participation in the Cambridge Health Alliance’s 13th annual Gambling Disorder Screening Day, supported through employee communications and training channels.
Launch of New Responsible Gaming Campaign
This spring, MGM Resorts will introduce a new campaign, Earn More. Play Smart. integrating MGM Rewards with responsible play messaging. The campaign will remind guests that membership comes with responsibility, not just perks. BetMGM’s Mullet Over hockey-themed responsible gaming commercial featuring company ambassador Connor McDavid will continue to air during key sports broadcast across North America and will also be featured prominently across MGM Resorts properties.
