MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have committed a combined $320,000 to responsible-gaming initiatives for Responsible Gaming Education Month, directing the money to the International Center for Responsible Gaming, state problem gambling councils, the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline and the Evive Foundation. The companies said they are also working with the American Gaming Association to promote the September campaign.
According to a PrNewswire release on Sept. 1, the contribution is part of a broader effort built around GameSense, the responsible-gaming programme first developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017. The companies said GameSense messaging will continue in select NFL stadiums and MLB ballparks and expand to Las Vegas NHL and WNBA arenas, with messages appearing on LED ribbons and scoreboards during pre-game activities.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM also said they will provide all employees with comprehensive, research-based responsible-gaming training. More than 3,000 employees have now been certified as GameSense Advisors, and the training reaches more than 45 departments across gaming and non-gaming resort operations.
The September campaign will also run across digital platforms, retail sportsbooks and the MGM Grand Live Dealer studio. BetMGM Sportsbook messaging will remind players to “take a time-out” and include QR codes linking to responsible-gaming tips and resources, while MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas marquees will carry GameSense and AGA material urging sports bettors to “Play Smart from the Start.”
Rhea Loney, BetMGM’s chief compliance officer, said player protection is a daily priority and that RGEM offers a chance to highlight that work. Stephen Martino, MGM Resorts’ senior vice-president and chief compliance officer, said reaching 3,000 GameSense Advisors showed how many employees had chosen to take an active role in promoting responsible gaming, while AGA senior vice-president Rob Lockwood said the collaboration keeps responsible-gaming messages visible while supporting research and programs that can make a difference.
