MGM Resorts and BetMGM Pledge $320,000 for Responsible Gaming in 2026

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have announced a renewed commitment to responsible gaming in September 2026, marking Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) with a combined pledge of $320,000. This funding targets research, support for state problem gambling councils, enhanced messaging at professional sports venues, and expanded employee training across their US operations.

MGM Resorts and BetMGM's Responsible Gaming Funding

The $320,000 commitment from MGM Resorts and BetMGM in 2026 will fund multiple responsible gaming initiatives. These include backing for the International Center for Responsible Gaming, sponsorship for problem gambling councils in several states, and support for the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. The companies are also donating to the Evive Foundation, which provides evidence-based digital support tools and peer programs for people affected by gambling harm.

Research remains a key focus of this annual initiative, with resources allocated to the International Center for Responsible Gaming. The companies aim to bolster evidence-based approaches and peer-driven support platforms, reflecting the regulatory emphasis on multi-pronged responsible gaming strategies (see more in regulation).

GameSense Messaging in Professional Sports and Beyond

GameSense, the responsible gaming program initially developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in 2017, will again be a central component of this year's RGEM activities. GameSense messaging appears on LED ribbons and scoreboards during pre-game activities in select NFL stadiums and Major League Baseball venues, and for 2026, the reach expands to include Las Vegas-based NHL and WNBA arenas.

Physical presence is only one aspect. MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas footprint includes displaying GameSense and American Gaming Association (AGA) messaging on significant marquees to encourage sports bettors to “Play Smart from the Start.” The messaging extends into digital environments, retail sportsbooks, and the MGM Grand Live Dealer studio.

BetMGM Sportsbook platforms are set to feature reminders for guests to "take a time-out," using integrated QR codes that direct to further tips and responsible gaming resources. According to Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM:

"Player protection is a priority every day at BetMGM, and RGEM gives us an opportunity to highlight those efforts. Through GameSense messaging in professional sports venues, employee education, and investments in research and support services, we are helping players access the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions."

Employee Training and GameSense Advisorship

Complementing the public messaging and research funding, both MGM Resorts International and BetMGM are continuing to invest in employee education. Over 3,000 employees have become certified GameSense Advisors, reflecting an internal commitment to responsible gaming advocacy across more than 45 company departments. This includes staff not only in casinos but also across hotel, food service, and other non-gaming divisions.

Stephen Martino, SVP and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts International, noted:

"What makes reaching 3000 GameSense Advisors so meaningful is the number of employees who have chosen to take an active role in promoting responsible gaming for our guests. That collective commitment is helping us expand the reach and impact of our program across our company."

This approach aligns with regulator and industry calls for a broader cultural approach to player protection, involving every level of the company and not just compliance or customer service teams.

Broader Industry Collaboration and Support

The American Gaming Association continues to play an organizing role during RGEM. Rob Lockwood, SVP of Strategic Communications at AGA, commented:

"Responsible gaming has the greatest impact when the industry works together like we have with Play Smart from the Start. Our collaboration with MGM Resorts and BetMGM helps keeps these important messages visible to players while supporting research and programs that can make a difference."

By partnering with organizations like the Evive Foundation and multiple state councils, MGM Resorts and BetMGM direct funding not only toward research, but also toward immediate support services and digital tools that reach individuals impacted by gambling.

Responsible Gaming Initiatives: Impact and Continuity

The companies’ actions during RGEM 2026 reinforce multi-year commitments rather than one-off campaigns. The combination of research support, public messaging in high-visibility environments, and mass employee training underpins a sustained approach to responsible gaming. The GameSense program, with its focus on positive and transparent customer engagement around gambling risks, continues to expand both in the number of trained advisors and in the variety of platforms reached.

MGM Resorts and BetMGM point to the inclusion of responsible gaming messages in digital, in-person, and broadcasting environments as a strategy for increasing visibility among both players and employees. Partnerships with the AGA and other stakeholders facilitate a coordinated industry stance, providing resources for safer play and funding for developments in harm prevention technology.

The 2026 pledge underscores a pragmatic and evidence-led posture toward responsible gaming, but the measurable effectiveness of such programs will continue to draw scrutiny among regulators, industry professionals, and research bodies.