MGM Resorts and BetMGM Pledge $1M for Safer Sports Betting

Funding will support research, public education, and expanded employee training on responsible gaming.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have announced plans to commit over $1 million towards responsible gaming initiatives in 2026. The funding will go towards new research on sports betting behavior, expanded community partnerships, and enhanced employee training and public awareness campaigns through the GameSense program.

Why it matters

As sports betting continues to grow across the U.S., gaming operators are under increasing pressure to demonstrate a strong commitment to consumer protection and responsible gambling. This pledge by MGM Resorts and BetMGM signals their intent to be industry leaders in promoting safer play and addressing problem gambling.

The details

The $1 million pledge will be divided between several key initiatives. $450,000 will fund a new 3-year research project by the International Center for Responsible Gaming to study sports betting behavior and decision-making patterns. Over $850,000 will go towards partnerships with state and national problem gambling prevention and treatment organizations. The companies will also expand their GameSense program, increasing the number of certified employee advisors and enhancing responsible gambling messaging across their physical and digital properties.

  • The research project will run over 3 years starting in 2026.
  • The expanded GameSense program and other public awareness campaigns will launch in 2026.

The players

MGM Resorts International

A leading global hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates casino resorts.

BetMGM

A joint venture between MGM Resorts and Entain PLC, operating online sports betting and iGaming platforms.

International Center for Responsible Gaming

A non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to help increase understanding of gambling disorders.

National Council on Problem Gambling

A non-profit organization that raises awareness about problem gambling and advocates for treatment and prevention services.

EPIC Global Solutions

A company that provides employee training and live sessions on the real-world impact of problem gambling.

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What’s next

The research project funded by the $450,000 commitment will launch in 2026 and run for 3 years, with the goal of strengthening industry best practices and promoting long-term sustainability around sports betting.

The takeaway

This pledge by MGM Resorts and BetMGM demonstrates a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing responsible gaming, going beyond one-off campaigns to invest in research, community partnerships, and employee training. It sets a new standard for gaming operators to prioritize consumer protection as the industry continues to rapidly expand.