MGM Resorts and BetMGM Commit $320,000 to Expanded Responsible Gaming Drive

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have pledged a combined $320,000 in funding to support the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), expanding player protection messaging across 17 major US professional sports arenas. The multi-faceted initiative funds independent research, broadens access to the national 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, and certifies over 3,000 employees as trained GameSense Advisors.

[LAS VEGAS, Sept. 1, 2026] — Gaming operators MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have renewed their annual sponsorship of the American Gaming Association (AGA) for Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) 2026. Pledging a combined $320,000 contribution, the joint campaign targets problem gambling education, academic research, and expanded public support infrastructure across the United States.

The capital allocation directly funds research programs through the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) while increasing operational grants for multiple state-level problem gambling councils. Additionally, the funding expands public visibility and staffing resources for the national 1-800-GAMBLER helpline network.

Part of the funding is directed to the Evive Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on improving access to evidence-based digital tools and peer-to-peer support platforms for individuals facing gambling-related challenges.

Strategic Allocation of $320,000 Research and Helpline Support Funds

The financial pledge strengthens player protection frameworks during a period of rapid sports betting expansion across North America. Capital distribution targets three core pillars: independent academic evaluation, state council operational grants, and digital health tools.

By funding the ICRG, the initiative supports clinical studies examining player behavior, early indicators of problem gambling, and the efficacy of self-exclusion mechanisms. Meanwhile, grants paid to state problem gambling councils enhance localized counseling infrastructure and community outreach.

Support for the Evive Foundation aims to lower technical barriers for individuals seeking assistance, deploying digital peer networks and self-assessment applications accessible on mobile devices.

GameSense Stadium Integration Expands Across NHL, WNBA, NFL, and MLB Arenas

As part of the nationwide RGEM drive, MGM Resorts is broadening the physical footprint of its proprietary GameSense® responsible gaming program into high-capacity sports venues. Originally developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017, GameSense delivers transparent, proactive education on gambling mechanics, bankroll management, and self-set time limits.

For 2026, the campaign expands into major indoor arenas in Las Vegas, adding the Vegas Golden Knights’ T-Mobile Arena and the Las Vegas Aces’ Michelob ULTRA Arena to its venue portfolio. These additions join established stadium partnerships across the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB).

During pre-game activations and game breaks, GameSense messaging is displayed via stadium ribbon boards, main video scoreboards, and concourse digital displays. The content encourages spectators to set personal limits and recognize risk factors before placing sports wagers.

US Professional Sports Arenas Featuring 2026 GameSense Campaign Messaging

Sports Venue	Resident Franchise / Team	League	2026 Campaign Status
T-Mobile Arena	Vegas Golden Knights	NHL	New Addition for 2026
Michelob ULTRA Arena	Las Vegas Aces	WNBA	New Addition for 2026
Acrisure Stadium	Pittsburgh Steelers	NFL	Returning Venue
Allegiant Stadium	Las Vegas Raiders	NFL	Returning Venue
Empower Field at Mile High	Denver Broncos	NFL	Returning Venue
Ford Field	Detroit Lions	NFL	Returning Venue
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium	Kansas City Chiefs	NFL	Returning Venue
Lincoln Financial Field	Philadelphia Eagles	NFL	Returning Venue
M&T Bank Stadium	Baltimore Ravens	NFL	Returning Venue
MetLife Stadium	New York Jets	NFL	Returning Venue
Nissan Stadium	Tennessee Titans	NFL	Returning Venue
State Farm Stadium	Arizona Cardinals	NFL	Returning Venue
Great American Ballpark	Cincinnati Reds	MLB	Returning Venue
Comerica Park	Detroit Tigers	MLB	Returning Venue
Fenway Park	Boston Red Sox	MLB	Returning Venue
PNC Park	Pittsburgh Pirates	MLB	Returning Venue
Nationals Park	Washington Nationals	MLB	Returning Venue

Workforce Training Milestone: 3,000 Certified GameSense Advisors Across 45 Departments

Alongside stadium outreach, MGM Resorts and BetMGM have expanded internal employee education programs to embed safer gambling practices within operational resort culture. To date, more than 3,000 staff members have completed certification as GameSense Advisors.

The internal training curriculum covers team members across more than 45 distinct departments, spanning traditional gaming floor staff, retail sportsbook operators, customer service representatives, hotel management, and non-gaming hospitality personnel.

"Player protection is a priority every day at BetMGM, and RGEM gives us an opportunity to highlight those efforts," said Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM. "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."

Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts International, emphasized the employee-led nature of the milestone. "What makes reaching 3,000 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."

Multi-Channel Digital and On-Site Responsible Play Initiatives in Las Vegas

Throughout September, RGEM messaging is integrated across digital, physical retail, and broadcast channels operated by MGM Resorts and BetMGM. On the Las Vegas Strip, digital marquees across resort properties display AGA "Play Smart from the Start" messaging, advising sports bettors to manage wager sizes and monitor play duration.

Inside retail sportsbooks and across the MGM Grand Live Dealer studio, digital displays prompt patrons to utilize responsible gaming tools. The mobile BetMGM Sportsbook app features prominent "take a time-out" prompts equipped with direct QR code links to account-budgeting features, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion resources.

Additionally, MGM Resorts has launched an academic research collaboration with Carleton University to study casino employee experiences regarding safer gambling interventions. The company is also partnering with the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling to host interactive educational booths across its Las Vegas resort properties throughout the month.

BetMGM is continuing its operational partnership with EPIC Global Solutions, conducting lived-experience workshops where employees hear directly from individuals impacted by problem gambling to deepen organizational understanding of gambling disorders.

Industry Impact Analysis: Establishing Player Protection Standards in Sports Betting

The multi-million-dollar expansion of sports betting across the US has heightened scrutiny from state regulators and public health officials regarding operator accountability. By committing $320,000 in direct funding and expanding GameSense messaging across 17 high-profile stadiums, MGM Resorts and BetMGM aim to establish a proactive standard for corporate compliance.

Targeting both retail stadium spectators and digital mobile users addresses the dual channels of modern sports wagering. Furthermore, certifying frontline hotel and casino personnel ensures that early warning signs of problematic behavior can be identified and addressed in real-time across property floors.

Industry analysts note that integrating public helpline links like 1-800-GAMBLER directly into stadium scoreboards and mobile app interfaces helps destigmatize help-seeking behavior, converting responsible gaming policies into accessible consumer tools.

Why This Matters: Essential Takeaways for Bettors and Venue Visitors

For sports fans and casino guests visiting MGM Resorts properties or BetMGM platforms during Responsible Gaming Education Month, the campaign offers actionable tools:

• Scan Stadium QR Codes: Fans attending games at T-Mobile Arena, Allegiant Stadium, or Fenway Park can scan stadium display QR codes to access immediate limit-setting guides.
• Utilize Mobile App Time-Outs: BetMGM app users can configure daily deposit caps, maximum wager limits, or temporary account cool-off periods directly within account settings.
• Speak with Certified Staff: Over 3,000 MGM Resorts employees across 45 departments are certified GameSense Advisors available to provide confidential guidance on responsible play resources.
• Access National Support Networks: Anyone experiencing gambling concerns can access 24/7 confidential assistance through the national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the funding amount pledged by MGM Resorts and BetMGM for RGEM 2026?

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have pledged a combined $320,000 to support Responsible Gaming Education Month initiatives through the American Gaming Association (AGA).

What is GameSense and how does it work?

GameSense is a responsible gaming program originally developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017. It provides transparent information on gambling odds, encourages limit-setting, and connects players with support resources.

How many sports venues feature GameSense messaging in 2026?

GameSense messaging is displayed across 17 major US sports venues, including new additions for 2026: T-Mobile Arena (Vegas Golden Knights) and Michelob ULTRA Arena (Las Vegas Aces).

How many MGM Resorts employees are certified GameSense Advisors?

More than 3,000 employees across more than 45 departments within MGM Resorts properties have been certified as GameSense Advisors to assist guests with safer gambling tools.

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