MGM Resorts International and its sportsbook brand BetMGM will direct more than $1 million toward responsible gaming programs as part of this year’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
The companies announced the expanded commitment as they join the National Council on Problem Gambling in recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Their efforts build on a partnership formed in 2021 and span research, public outreach and employee training.
Research Commitment Targets Betting Behavior
A combined $450,000 will go to the International Center for Responsible Gaming to support a peer-reviewed study examining sports wagering and its effect on player behavior. The project will run over three years and analyze factors that shape decision-making and risk patterns across different demographic groups. The research will also review prevention strategies intended to strengthen responsible gaming approaches across the industry.
Stephen Martino, senior vice president and chief compliance officer at MGM Resorts International, said, “As sports betting continues to grow so must our understanding of its impact on our guests and customers. 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, “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.”
The companies previously supported research through a $180,000 donation last year to the Kindbridge Research Institute for studies focused on sports betting’s impact on specific populations and the development of responsible gaming strategies. MGM Resorts also contributed $60,000 to state-sanctioned problem gambling councils during that period.
State Funding and Employee Initiatives
MGM Resorts and BetMGM will allocate more than $850,000 in 2026 to state and national organizations focused on prevention, treatment and responsible gaming. MGM Resorts will continue sponsoring the annual Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Conference and use it as a training hub for employees.
The companies will expand staff instruction through the GameSense program, developed and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. More than 2,000 team members have completed GameSense Advisor training to support proactive conversations with guests.
They will also increase responsible gaming messaging across casino floors, sportsbooks and digital platforms, including the BetMGM app, and extend communications into convention areas, arenas and theaters.
This spring, MGM Resorts will introduce Earn More. Play Smart., linking responsible play messaging with MGM Rewards. BetMGM will continue airing its “Mullet Over” commercial featuring Connor McDavid during major sports broadcasts and across MGM properties.
Additional efforts include a sixth year partnering with EPIC Global Solutions for employee sessions, participation in the Cambridge Health Alliance’s 13th annual Gambling Disorder Screening Day and continued support for the American Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan. ® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign.
Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. MI, NJ, PA or WV only. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA & WV).
Source:
“MGM Resorts & Betmgm Commit Over $1 Million To Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month”, investors.mgmresorts.com, February 26, 2026
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