MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have announced a unified commitment to responsible gaming and to providing the tools needed to help players make responsible, informed decisions while playing.
The declaration comes as both companies join the National Council on Problem Gambling in promoting Problem Gambling Awareness Month throughout March.
With sports betting and igaming rapidly expanding access and growing in popularity across the US, BetMGM is prioritizing responsible gaming by integrating education and outreach into the player experience and through customer service.
As part of this new joint-initiative, BetMGM and MGM Resorts’ employees will participate in a weekly educational series provided by EPIC Risk designed to provide employees with unique and diverse perspectives on problem gambling and insight into how operators can play an important role in problem gambling prevention.
Richard Taylor, Responsible Gambling Program Manager at BetMGM, said: “We’re committed to providing BetMGM employees with the responsible gambling tools, information, and empowerment they need to ensure the highest level of customer service and care possible.
“Throughout the month they’ll hear from experts about the nature of problem gambling, the importance of research and policy, and the role they can play in preventing problem gambling. We’re pleased to collaborate on this critical initiative.”
BetMGM is also promoting the Eighth Annual Gambling Disorder Screening Day, led by Harvard Medical School faculty at the Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance. The event provides resources including an online screening toolkit to enable individuals to identify if they may be exhibiting behaviors associated with increased risk of harm.
Additionally, further responsible gaming resources and tools will be included in the BetMGM app.
MGM Resorts is an established leader in responsible gaming with its award-winning program GameSense, which is integrated into its casinos and sportsbooks nationwide. Developed and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in 2017, GameSense transformed the industry’s approach to responsible gaming by incorporating education and outreach into MGM Resorts’ customer service model.
Whether it’s through personal interactions with trained staff, touch screens or programs built into player interfaces, GameSense promotes responsible gaming education through positive, proactive interactions with players to give them the tools to keep gaming fun and responsible. The program has earned recognition multiple times from the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Stephen Martino, SVP & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts, said: “MGM Resorts has a long and storied history of supporting responsible gaming efforts and we are proud to support the NCPG’s efforts in addressing problem gambling. Our team members stand ready to assist guests in to helping them understand the risks, where to get help, and ultimately, how to make sure that gambling remains fun.”
These efforts are taking place as BetMGM and MGM Resorts prepare for an influx of visitors to retail sportsbooks and digital properties during March’s college basketball tournament. As BetMGM continues to expand into new states, responsible gaming education remains a key focus, said the firm.
