MGM Resorts and BetMGM Announce $320,000 Responsible Gaming Commitment for 2026 Education Month
TL;DR — MGM Resorts and BetMGM committed $320,000 to responsible gaming research, state councils, the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, and the Evive Foundation as part of their AGA partnership for RGEM 2026. The operators have certified over 3,000 GameSense Advisors across 45 departments and expanded program messaging to new Las Vegas NHL and WNBA arenas. This reflects coordinated industry efforts on player protection and education.
SCCG Take — The funding and training scale demonstrate how major operators are embedding responsible gaming into operations and venue partnerships, raising compliance expectations across the U.S. market.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM have renewed their partnership with the American Gaming Association to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month throughout September 2026. The operators announced a combined $320,000 contribution to responsible gaming initiatives, as reported by G3 Newswire.
The funding supports research through the International Center for Responsible Gaming, expanded sponsorships for state problem gambling councils including the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, and a donation to the Evive Foundation for evidence-based digital tools and peer support. GameSense messaging will expand into Las Vegas NHL and WNBA arenas, with presence on LED ribbons and scoreboards during pre-game activities at T-Mobile Arena (Vegas Golden Knights) and Michelob ULTRA Arena (Las Vegas Aces), both new for 2026.
GameSense, first developed and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, focuses on positive, transparent engagements with guests and customers.
Employee Training Milestones
The companies have certified over 3,000 employees as GameSense Advisors. This training now reaches staff across more than 45 departments, including both gaming and non-gaming resort operations.
Stephen Martino, SVP & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International, said, “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.”
Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM, said, “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.”
Industry Collaboration and Visibility
Rob Lockwood, SVP Strategic Communications, American Gaming Association, said, “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.”
Additional messaging will appear via digital platforms, retail sportsbooks, the MGM Grand Live Dealer studio, and Las Vegas marquees encouraging sports bettors to Play Smart from the Start. GameSense presence continues at multiple NFL stadiums and MLB ballparks nationwide.
Reporting: G3 Newswire
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
3,000 certified advisors across 45 departments shows RG is now operational infrastructure, not just marketing gloss.
We track compliance evolution across every regulated market. When an operator trains 3,000 staff in responsible gaming and pushes messaging into NHL and WNBA arenas, that's infrastructure — the kind regulators notice and competitors must match. This sets the floor for licensing and partnership expectations nationwide.
- $320K funds research, state councils, 1-800-GAMBLER, and the Evive Foundation
- 3,000+ GameSense Advisors certified across gaming and non-gaming resort departments
- GameSense messaging debuts in Las Vegas T-Mobile and Michelob ULTRA Arenas in 2026
SCCG angle: SCCG helps clients navigate responsible gaming requirements and venue partnerships in every regulated jurisdiction. We connect operators to compliance advisors, state council networks, and arena partnership models that meet evolving regulatory and public expectations — turning RG commitments into competitive advantages during licensing and renewals.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
Subscribe →