MGM Resorts International and BetMGM donated over $300,000 to responsible gaming research as part of a partnership with the American Gaming Association (AGA).
The contribution was sent during the September Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2026).
Key Takeaways
- The AGA sponsors a month dedicated to responsible gambling education every September.
- The donation will fund a variety of efforts, including research programs and supporting resources.
- MGM Resorts and BetMGM’s responsible gaming program GameSense will be highlighted in a variety of sports venues nationwide.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM confirmed in an announcement that they will supply $320,000 as part of their partnership with the AGA.
They will also spend the next 30 days promoting RGEM 2026, the newest edition of an annual September campaign organized by the AGA and supported by operators. The campaign is centered on giving consumers the information needed to make informed decisions and display responsible behaviors.
“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.”
The $320,000 donation will help fund a variety of initiatives, including research funding through the International Center for Responsible Gaming, expanded sponsorship opportunities, and supporting resources such as the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
A donation is also being made to the Evive Foundation, which arms individuals impacted by the negative effects of gambling with access to digital tools and peer support channels.
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MGM champions responsible gaming
As part of MGM’s commitment to responsible gambling, GameSense — BetMGM’s responsible gaming program — messaging will continue to be presented in NFL and MLB stadiums, along with expansion into NHL and WNBA venues in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LED ribbons and video boards will highlight GameSense, which emphasizes customer awareness and intelligent decision-making, at the following locations:
- New: T-Mobile Arena (Vegas Golden Knights)
- New: Michelob ULTRA Arena (Las Vegas Aces)
- Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders)
- Empower Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos)
- Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
- GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
- M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
- MetLife Stadium (New York Jets)
- Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans)
- State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals)
- Great American Ballpark (Cincinnati Reds)
- Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers)
- Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)
- PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates)
- Nationals Park (Washington Nationals)
“Responsible gaming has the greatest impact when the industry works together like we have with Play Smart from the Start,” said Rob Lockwood, SVP Strategic Communications, American Gaming Association. “Our collaboration with MGM Resorts and BetMGM helps keep these important messages visible to players while supporting research and programs that can make a difference.”
In support of the campaign, MGM Resorts and BetMGM will also train their employees with research-based responsible training. More than 3,000 employees were already certified through the GameSense Advisor program.
"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,” Stephen Martino, SVP & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International. “That collective commitment is helping us expand the reach and impact of our program across our company.”
More promises and initiatives
MGM Resorts and BetMGM outlined a list of additional commitments they were making as part of their partnership with the AGA.
Included in a lengthy list was a partnership with Carleton University to study casino employees, hosting educational booths in collaboration with the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling in Las Vegas, and initiating guest and customer surveys on responsible gaming.
