MGM Resorts International and the BetMGM brand announced the expansion of several “groundbreaking collaborations” focused on gambling harm research and prevention. The announcement comes ahead of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a time when industry stakeholders join forces to promote safer play, discourage unhealthy gambling habits, and spread awareness of the resources and tools available to players.
According to MGM and BetMGM’s announcement, the two have expanded their existing safer gaming tie-ups with several organizations. The two operators will likewise join the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people struggling with harm.
MGM and BetMGM Continue to Champion Sustainability with Kindbridge
As part of its extended commitments, MGM Resorts agreed to donate $180,000 to Kindbridge Research Institute. The latter will use this funding to study the impact of sports betting across various demographics and develop strategies to counteract harm and convince players to play in moderation.
Stephen Martino, MGM Resorts’ senior vice president and chief compliance officer, commented on the matter, highlighting his team’s commitment to supporting gambling research and making a positive impact.
As a global gaming and hospitality leader, we are always looking to support innovative and actionable research that can make a positive impact.
Stephen Martino, SVP & CCO, MGM Resorts
Martino added that its problem gambling research efforts will support its business in America and beyond, allowing it to focus on operating sustainably.
BetMGM, meanwhile, will expand its Kindbridge Behavioral Health referral program nationwide and will ensure that players in all states where it operates can access the charity’s mental health services and begin their journey to betterment.
Rhea Loney, BetMGM’s chief compliance officer said that responsible gaming is a focal point of the brand. She said that the operator will continue to invest in the protection and well-being of players and that the expansion of the agreement with Kindbridge is in line with this strategy.
MGM & BetMGM Deepens Relationships with BCLC, UNLV
In addition to the renewed agreement with Kindbridge, MGM Resorts and BetMGM have agreed to expand the GameSense deal with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). GameSense was licensed to MGM in 2017 and focuses on positive interactions that encourage guests and customers to gamble safely.
Per the expanded deal, both MGM Resorts and BetMGM will increase responsible gaming messaging from GameSense across land-based and digital sportsbooks nationwide. MGM and BetMGM properties will also deploy experienced BCLC employees across their venues.
The announcement added that MGM Resorts and BetMGM have also expanded their community outreach initiative with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The operators will therefore continue to engage with UNLV Gaming Law students, teaching them about the importance of responsible gaming to the overall gambling ecosystem.
Sarah Gonzales, director of graduate programs, William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV, praised the collaboration with MGM Resorts, calling it a “valuable learning experience” for students. She also mentioned the GameSense program, saying that it has helped many students “grasp the importance of responsible gaming.”
MGM Resorts Confirmed Additional Initiatives
The operators’ commitments to promoting responsible gambling during Problem Gambling Awareness Month didn’t end there. MGM Resorts added that it will also contribute $60,000 to affiliated State Councils on Problem Gambling in support of various advocacy and preventative initiatives.
Additionally, BetMGM has renewed its partnership with EPIC Global Solutions, one of America’s top problem gambling education consultancies. Per the agreement, EPIC will continue to provide safer gambling education to the operator’s employees. MGM Resorts and BetMGM both expressed commitment to educating their workforce.
Last but not least, the two companies will continue their partnership with the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. public service campaign.
