The International Center for Responsible Gaming Thursday announced it has received a $250,000 grant from MGM Resorts International. The donation will support the ICRG’s research and education on gambling disorders and responsible gambling.
“As one of our original donors, MGM Resorts International has literally helped create the field of study on gambling addiction and responsible gambling,” said ICRG President Arthur Paikowsky in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for their continuing support of efforts to effectively prevent and treat gambling disorder.”
The ICRG, based in Massachusetts, has been a prominent source of gambling research since its founding in 1996 and published hundreds of articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. MGM’s donation will help fund programs designed to educate treatment providers, responsible gambling professionals, regulators, and public policymakers.
“Gaming operators share an obligation to maintain high standards that contribute to the well-being of our industry,” said MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle in a statement. “We believe the ICRG’s research will complement our commitment to GameSense (MGM’s responsible gaming program), guide the advancement of responsible gaming, and help us improve the ways we engage with our guests to promote healthy play. As sports betting and iGaming become more widely accessible, it’s important that we strengthen our commitment to providing a safe experience for everyone, whether they’re playing at one of our casino resorts or through one of our apps.”
The grant coincides with MGM Resorts’ efforts to promote Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and GameSense. Developed and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, GameSense focuses on positive, transparent, and proactive conversations with players about how to gamble responsibly.
The gaming operator also is a partner in the American Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly public service campaign
ICRG-funded research has explored the health risks of casino employees, created the only research-based website on college gambling, and launched a national campaign to make parents and teachers aware of youth gambling. Current projects include evaluating the responsible gambling tool of self-imposed limits on time and money spent gambling, and the national impact of sports wagering.
