Responsible Gaming Push Gains Momentum as Operators and Charities Expand Support

22 September 2026

As gambling spreads, ensuring safety and limiting harm has gained priority. This year's Responsible Gaming Education Month centers on substantive investments and coordination.

The strongest support has centered on September’s RGEM campaign, major operator contributions, and new regional awareness initiatives.

MGM Resorts, BetMGM double down on RGEM

For the second year, MGM Resorts International and its BetMGM online arm committed $320,000 to responsible gaming (RG) initiatives through RGEM. This doubles the $160,000 in 2022.

The funding includes a combination of research through the International Centre for Responsible Gaming, sponsorships for state-level problem gambling councils, and services like the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. "We're dedicating our time, resources, and efforts to support responsible gaming," said Maddie Bergin, vice president of responsible gaming at BetMGM. "RGEM allows us to bring these conversations to the forefront and shine a light on the tools and resources that can help improve the overall wellbeing of our patrons."

In addition, MGM Resorts and BetMGM said they continue their GameSense program in NFL and MLB sports venues. Last year's GameSense messages reached an estimated 1.3 million people. Now these signs and information will be added to the company's Las Vegas NHL and WNBA venues as well.

More on this is available via CasinoArena guide.

MGM Resorts and BetMGM have trained over 3,000 employees at the GameSense Educator level, up 10% since 2022. Those employees receive 20 hours of training to support players' wellbeing and facilitate safe play, in person and online.

Operators in North America have long had devoted resources to responsible play. But the AGA describes RGEM as bringing these efforts together as a more concerted, public-facing education campaign. "We come together to increase awareness and support of responsible gaming, including educating our employees and communities about the importance of responsible play", the Association says on its website. "As an industry, we collectively support programs and initiatives to help patrons gamble responsibly and have access to tools and resources if unfortunately they do develop a gambling problem."

The AGA, which represents casino operators, online gaming providers, and associated technology companies, says its members annually commit roughly $350 million to responsible gaming tools, services, and research. All 23 AGA's online betting members provide bet-loss tracking and exclude players who self-report problem gambling.