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MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have committed a combined $320,000 to responsible gambling research and support programs as part of Responsible Gaming Education Month.
The September campaign will also bring responsible gambling messages to Pennsylvania customers using BetMGM Casino and BetMGM Sportsbook, as well as fans attending games at three of the state’s major professional sports venues.
The companies said in their Sept. 1 announcement the funding will support gambling research, state problem gambling councils, and services for people affected by gambling-related harm.
Funding supports research, helpline, and digital resources
Part of the $320,000 commitment will fund work by the International Center for Responsible Gaming. MGM Resorts and BetMGM will also expand their sponsorship of state problem gambling councils, including support for the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Another portion will go to the Evive Foundation, which gives people affected by gambling access to evidence-based digital tools and peer support.
The announcement did not disclose how much each organization will receive or identify the individual state councils included in the expanded sponsorships.
GameSense messages coming to three Pennsylvania venues
GameSense messaging will appear at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The venues are home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively.
Fans may see the messages on LED ribbon boards and scoreboards during pregame activities.
Pennsylvania is one of several states included in the campaign, which covers selected NFL stadiums and Major League Baseball ballparks.
GameSense was developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017. The program is designed to encourage open conversations about how gambling works and help customers keep it within their intended time and spending limits.
The campaign will extend beyond stadiums. Throughout September, GameSense and Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) messages will appear on digital platforms, at retail sportsbooks, and in the MGM Grand Live Dealer studio.
BetMGM Sportsbook will display reminders encouraging customers to take a time-out, accompanied by QR codes directing them to additional tips and resources. The operator also plans to send customers targeted emails about responsible play, BetMGM Chief Compliance Officer Rhea Loney said.
“Player protection is a priority every day at BetMGM, and RGEM gives us an opportunity to highlight those efforts.”
More than 3,000 employees certified as advisers
MGM Resorts and BetMGM have now certified more than 3,000 employees through the GameSense Advisor program.
The training has reached workers in more than 45 departments, including both gambling and non-gambling areas of MGM resorts.
Advisers are trained to discuss responsible gambling with customers and direct them toward relevant information or support.
Pennsylvania players can set limits or step away
Pennsylvania customers do not have to wait until gambling becomes a serious problem to use protective tools.
BetMGM allows users to set deposit, spending, daily time, and sports wagering limits. Its platform also offers a time-out option for customers who want a temporary break and self-exclusion for those who need a stronger restriction.
A BetMGM time-out applies at the operator level, while Pennsylvania self-exclusion covers licensed providers within the selected gambling category. Players can enroll in the statewide programs online.
Separate options cover online gambling, retail casinos, video gaming terminals, and fantasy contests, allowing a person to select the forms of gambling from which they want to be excluded.
Anyone concerned about their own gambling or that of a family member can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or use the state’s online chat service. Pennsylvania’s helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
