MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have announced a joint commitment of over $1 million to support responsible gaming research, public awareness, and community initiatives during Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). The investment includes $450,000 specifically allocated to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) for a three-year research initiative on sports wagering and its impact on player behavior.

Research Focus on Sports Wagering and Player Behavior

The research initiative, funded by the $450,000 contribution, will examine factors influencing sports betting behavior, including decision-making and risk patterns across different populations. The study aims to develop best practices and strengthen long-term industry sustainability by focusing on evidence-based approaches to responsible gaming.

Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts, emphasized the importance of the research. ‘As sports betting continues to grow, so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers,’ he said. ‘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 at BetMGM, added that the initiative aligns with the company’s year-round commitment to player protection. ‘We prioritize player protection by investing in education, tools, collaboration, and meaningful support resources,’ she said. ‘Our commitment remains clear: to help every player make informed decisions and enjoy our products safely.’

Community and State Support Initiatives

In addition to the research funding, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will contribute over $850,000 to state and national organizations focused on problem gambling prevention, treatment, and responsible gaming. This includes continued sponsorship of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference and employee training sessions on responsible gaming.

The companies will also expand their GameSense program, a responsible gaming initiative developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). The program includes expanded training for over 2,000 certified advisors and increased visibility of responsible gaming messages across casino floors, sportsbooks, and digital platforms.

Throughout March and beyond, the GameSense program will feature messages and QR codes reminding players to ‘take a time-out’ and ‘set a budget.’ A Problem Gambling Awareness Month email campaign will be sent to all BetMGM customers, and an MGM Rewards guest survey will measure awareness and perception of responsible gaming initiatives.

New Responsible Gaming Campaign and Employee Training

This spring, MGM Resorts will launch a new campaign, ‘Earn More. Play Smart,’ integrating responsible play messaging with its MGM Rewards program. BetMGM will continue to air its Mullet Over hockey-themed commercial featuring ambassador Connor McDavid during key sports broadcasts across North America.

Additional commitments include a partnership with EPIC Global Solutions to provide employees with lived experience sessions on the human impact of problem gambling. A social media and internal messaging campaign will feature executive thought leadership on responsible gaming, and all employees will receive thorough training on responsible gaming practices.

MGM Resorts and BetMGM will continue their partnership with the American Gaming Association’s ‘Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™’ public service campaign and the ‘Play Smart from the Start’ initiative. These efforts aim to promote responsible gaming and provide players with the tools they need to make informed decisions.

The companies’ commitment to responsible gaming reflects a growing industry-wide focus on addressing the risks associated with gambling, particularly as sports betting continues to expand. The research and awareness initiatives are expected to provide valuable insights and strategies for the industry in the coming years.