MGM Resorts and BetMGM Collaborate with AGA to Promote Responsible Gaming

by John Nowacky
in $$$, Action, Featured
on 30 August 2024

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have teamed up with the American Gaming Association (AGA) once again to raise awareness about Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2024) in September. The two companies will be implementing their responsible gaming campaign at select National Football League (NFL) stadiums for the second consecutive year, with a special emphasis on the promotion of GameSense®. GameSense is a well-regarded responsible gaming program that was initially developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017.

In an effort to reach a wider audience, GameSense marketing materials will be prominently displayed in various locations within the stadiums. Some of the stadiums where the messaging will be promoted include Acrisure Stadium, Allegiant Stadium, and MetLife Stadium, among others.

To complement this initiative, BetMGM plans to expand its collection of advertisements, showcasing its comprehensive responsible gaming resources in the months ahead. The advertisements will feature brand ambassadors sharing engaging messaging, similar to the critically acclaimed responsible gaming commercial featuring NHL MVP Connor McDavid.

Furthermore, MGM Resorts has announced a significant contribution of $440,000 to fund responsible gaming research through the International Center for Responsible Gaming and Kindbridge Research Institute. The studies conducted will aim to enhance the industry’s understanding of responsible gaming practices and address research gaps, including those related to under-studied populations such as women military veterans.

Stephen Martino, SVP and Chief Compliance Officer of MGM Resorts, emphasized the importance of funding responsible gaming research to gain insights into the diverse impact of gambling on different populations. Martino believes that supporting such efforts is critical for a gaming industry leader like MGM Resorts.

Throughout RGEM 2024, both MGM Resorts and BetMGM will continue to prioritize extensive employee training to raise awareness of responsible gaming. Recently, MGM Resorts’ GameSense Advisor Program certified over 500 customer-facing employees, equipping them with the necessary skills to educate customers about casino games and encourage responsible play. BetMGM will also focus on employee training, particularly for its VIP staff, while further advancing responsible gaming through its partnership with EPIC Global Solutions.

In September, new GameSense messaging will have a prominent presence on table games across all of MGM Resorts’ properties nationwide. Additionally, responsible gaming tips will be featured on more than 35,000 screens within the company’s portfolio, as well as on Las Vegas marquees. BetMGM will introduce improved responsible gaming tools within its platform to help players manage their budgets effectively and ensure a responsible and sustainable entertainment experience.

Both MGM Resorts and BetMGM are committed to promoting responsible sports wagering through their ongoing partnership with the AGA’s Have A Game Plan. ® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign. This collaboration aims to educate both new and seasoned bettors on responsible gambling practices and emphasize the importance of regulated markets in prioritizing player safety.

Collaboration between industry leaders, such as MGM Resorts and BetMGM, is crucial in advancing responsible gaming efforts. By forming innovative partnerships, these companies are setting new standards within the gaming industry, fostering safety, and promoting awareness of responsible play.

Some additional facts that are relevant to the topic but not mentioned in the article:

1. MGM Resorts is a global hospitality company that owns and operates numerous resorts and casinos worldwide.
2. BetMGM is a joint venture between MGM Resorts and Entain, a leading global sports betting and gaming operator.
3. The American Gaming Association (AGA) is a trade association representing the US casino gaming industry.
4. Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) is an annual initiative that aims to promote responsible gambling practices and raise awareness about problem gambling.
5. GameSense is a program designed to help individuals make informed decisions while gambling, with the goal of promoting responsible play and reducing problem gambling behaviors.
6. The International Center for Responsible Gaming is an organization that funds scientific research on gambling disorders and responsible gaming practices.
7. Kindbridge Research Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to improving mental health and well-being.
8. The partnership between MGM Resorts, BetMGM, and the AGA’s Have A Game Plan. ® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign highlights the commitment of these companies to promoting responsible sports wagering.

Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:

1. Problem gambling: The gambling industry faces challenges in addressing problem gambling behaviors and minimizing their impact on individuals and communities.
2. Regulatory compliance: Ensuring compliance with responsible gaming regulations and standards can be a challenge for companies operating in the gambling industry.
3. Industry reputation: The gambling industry has faced criticism in the past regarding issues such as addiction, social consequences, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Advantages of the collaboration:

1. Increased awareness: Collaborative efforts between MGM Resorts, BetMGM, and the AGA can help raise awareness about responsible gaming and educate the public on the importance of responsible gambling practices.
2. Research funding: The financial contributions made by MGM Resorts to fund responsible gaming research can lead to a better understanding of gambling behaviors and contribute to the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies.
3. Employee training: Both MGM Resorts and BetMGM prioritize extensive employee training, which can enhance customer interactions, enable early identification of potential issues, and promote responsible gambling within their properties.

Disadvantages of the collaboration:

1. Effectiveness of initiatives: While the collaboration aims to promote responsible gambling, the overall effectiveness of these efforts in reducing problem gambling may vary, and it is important to continuously evaluate and improve these initiatives.
2. Industry influence: Critics may argue that the collaboration between industry leaders and trade associations might not go far enough in addressing the broader social and economic impacts of gambling.