Companies Announce $320,000 in Contributions, Major Sports Venue Messaging, and Milestone Employee Certifications
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have teamed up with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2026) throughout September. As part of this collaborative initiative, the companies are committing a combined $320,000 contribution toward responsible gaming programs.
The funding supports crucial research through the International Center for Responsible Gaming, expanded sponsorships for state problem gambling councils, including backing for the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, and a donation to the Evive Foundation, which provides digital tools and peer support for individuals impacted by gambling.
Stadium Campaigns and GameSense Expansion
Throughout September, responsible gaming messaging will expand across professional sports venues. GameSense displays will appear on LED ribbons and scoreboards during pre-game activities across select NFL stadiums and MLB ballparks, alongside new deployments in Las Vegas NHL and WNBA arenas. Originally developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017, GameSense focuses on proactive, transparent player engagement.
Additionally, digital platforms, retail sportsbooks, and the MGM Grand Live Dealer studio will feature RGEM and GameSense content. BetMGM Sportsbook messaging will prompt players to “take a time-out” via QR codes linking to resources, while MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas marquees will display joint AGA campaigns encouraging patrons to “Play Smart from the Start.”
Executive Insights
Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM, commented on the campaign:
“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.”
Complementing these consumer-facing efforts, MGM Resorts and BetMGM have surpassed 3,000 certified employees through the GameSense Advisor training program, extending specialized education across more than 45 gaming and non-gaming departments.
Stephen Martino, SVP and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts International, added:
“What makes reaching 3000 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.”
Rob Lockwood, SVP of Strategic Communications at the American Gaming Association, praised the partnership:
“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.”
