MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have unveiled a $1 million overall responsible gaming commitment tied to Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The companies have allocated $450,000 to fund a three-year independent study on sports wagering behavior through the International Center for Responsible Gaming as part of the effort.
The fund commitment will support independent, peer-reviewed research examining sports wagering and its impact on player behavior. The study will analyze factors that may influence betting activity, including decision-making processes and risk patterns across different populations. It will also review trends and prevention efforts intended to support responsible gaming strategies across the industry.
“As sports betting continues to grow, so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts. “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.”
“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,” said Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer, BetMGM.
In addition to the research funding, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will contribute more than $850,000 in 2026 to state and national organizations focused on problem gambling prevention, treatment, and responsible gaming measures.
MGM Resorts will continue its role as a Founding Member sponsor of the annual Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference. Leaders from the organization will also participate in responsible gaming training sessions for employees.
Throughout March and continuing beyond Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the companies will increase responsible gaming messaging across casino floors, sportsbooks and digital platforms through the GameSense program, developed and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
More than 2,000 team members have completed GameSense Advisor training and hold certification to engage guests in responsible gaming conversations. Messaging and QR codes encouraging players to “take a time-out” and “set a budget” will appear across gaming and non-gaming areas, including convention spaces, arenas, theaters, MGM Rewards desks, and within the BetMGM app.
BetMGM will distribute a Problem Gambling Awareness Month email campaign to all customers featuring GameSense information. MGM Resorts will conduct an MGM Rewards guest survey to measure awareness and perception of responsible gaming initiatives and GameSense.
The companies will also participate in the 13th annual Gambling Disorder Screening Day, organized by Cambridge Health Alliance, 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 communicate that membership includes responsibility in addition to perks.
BetMGM’s “Mullet Over” hockey-themed responsible gaming commercial featuring ambassador Connor McDavid will continue to air during sports broadcasts across North America and will appear across MGM Resorts properties.
For the sixth consecutive year, BetMGM is partnering with EPIC Global Solutions to offer employees the opportunity to attend lived experience sessions focused on the impact of problem gambling. MGM Resorts and BetMGM will also launch a social media and internal messaging campaign featuring executive thought leadership on responsible gaming and will continue to provide comprehensive, research-based responsible gaming training to all employees.
The companies also continue their participation in the American Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly public service campaign and the Play Smart from the Start initiative.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/03/02/117813-mgm-and-betmgm-commit-over-1-million-to-responsible-gaming-initiatives
