The key amount is allocated to multiple fronts. MGM Resorts and BetMGM announced that they have committed $450,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming. This contribution is going to support a new research project focused on sports wagering and player behavior. According to the companies, the research will be conducted over three years and will analyze decision-making, risk profiles, and prevention strategies related to betting behavior.
Additional Scope
In addition to that funding, the companies said that they would provide over $850,000 in 2026 to organizations working on problem gambling prevention, treatment, and safer play issues. MGM also announced that it would continue to support the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling conference and invite leaders from that organization to its employee training programs.
The March plan does not end there. MGM Resorts and BetMGM shared that they would increase responsible gaming messages in casinos, sportsbooks, and online through their GameSense program. GameSense training, according to the companies, has been expanded to over 2,000 trained team members.
Insights into Timing
The announcement comes at a time just before Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The National Council on Problem Gambling describes it as an annual March campaign that raises awareness about problem gambling and promotes prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. For 2026, the campaign theme is “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures.”
Timing may be important, as large U.S.-based operators are under constant pressure to demonstrate that safe gaming is more than just a tick-box in investor relations documents. In this instance, MGM and BetMGM are using awareness month messaging alongside support for independent research studies and year-round training. That suggests that the companies are committed to safe gaming as an operational imperative.
Next Market Developments to Watch
The size of the pledge will draw attention, but the more practical question is what comes after the headline. If the research produces insightful findings, staff training translates into real guest interaction, and safer-play tools become more visible across channels, the initiative could carry weight beyond March.
