MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have committed more than $1m to responsible gaming initiatives, with the companies also joining the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
One Senior Executive described the investment decision as: "An important reminder of our year-round responsibility to assist and empower our players."
The funding will support crucial projects including: public awareness, community partnerships and employee engagement, while $450,000 will be dedicated to empower independent research into sportsbook betting behavior.
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) in the US will take on the remit for the multi-year study, which is expected to yield data on betting behavior and risk patterns across different demographics.
MGM Resorts vows to monitor impact of evolving sports betting industry on its customers
BetMGM is a prominent global betting platform, jointly owned by MGM Resorts and the major gambling operator, Entain.
A joint statement from both firms involved in the significant investment to support responsible gaming initiatives expanded on the full range of programs that will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months, including MGM Resorts' own new campaign to encourage responsible play.
Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts, made the following comment:
"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, outlined that: "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", added Loney.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM investment in responsible gaming reflects scale of change in the industry
The US gambling industry has grown significantly over the last decade, following the landmark 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned the federal ban on sportsbook activity.
Sports betting wagers are now legal in more than 38 states, generating billions in revenue, but also raising concerns about problem gambling and the rates of people impacted.
An exclusive report from SiGMA News, based on the Sports Betting Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032 study, has forecasted that the market will grow from $91.97bn in 2025 to $205.64bn by 2032.
In-play wagering, virtual sports, and mobile betting, are expected to be major drivers of that expected increase - with a compound annual growth rate of 12.18%.
Beyond the compliance requirements for MGM Resorts and BetMGM, this wider responsible gaming investment is a shrewd decision for PR and risk management reasons.
The uplift in employee training, community partnerships and collaboration with organizations like the ICRG enhances the message that revenue growth and responsible gaming are directly related.
Both matter and should be priorities for major operators like MGM Resorts.
In spring, the US hotel and casino multinational will commence its 'Earn More, Play Smart' campaign, which will incorporate responsible play messages into its MGM Rewards program.
The initiative will underline to its patrons that "membership comes with responsibility, not just perks".
