MGM Resorts International BetMGM on Thursday announced a $1 million expanded commitment to responsible gaming research, public awareness, community partnerships, and employee engagement.
The commitment comes as MGM Resorts and BetMGM join the National Council on Problem Gambling in recognizing Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March.
“As sports betting continues to grow so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers,” said MGM Resorts Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer Stephen Martino. “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 have jointly committed $450,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming to pay for a new research initiative examining sports wagering and its effect on player behavior. The contribution will support independent, peer-reviewed research aimed at developing best practices and strengthening long-term industry sustainability.
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 also will explore trends and prevention efforts designed to strengthen industry-wide responsible gaming strategies.
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an important reminder of our year-round responsibility to assist and empower our players,” said BetMGM Chief Compliance Officer Rhea Loney. “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.”
In 2026, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will contribute more than $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.
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. This will include:
- Expanded nationwide GameSense Advisor training, exceeding 2,000 certified team members equipped to engage guests in proactive conversations and support.
- Increased responsible gaming visibility across 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.
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 also will be featured prominently across MGM Resorts properties.
For the sixth straight year, BetMGM is partnering with EPIC Global Solutions to offer all employees the opportunity to attend a live experience session, providing insight into the human effect of problem gambling.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM also will launch a social media and internal messaging campaign featuring executive thought leadership on responsible gaming
MGM Resorts and BetMGM will continue to provide all employees with comprehensive and research-based responsible gaming training. And MGM Resorts and BetMGM continue in their partnership with the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. public service campaign and Play Smart from the Start initiative.
