BetMGM announces new RG intiatives with Kindbridge

BetMGM and MGM Resorts continue to double down on responsible gambling with the companies’ understanding of the issue evolving as well. Marking Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the companies have now entered a new partnership with Kindbridge, which will seek to raise awareness for problem gambling as well as advance scientific understanding of the problem.

The partners will work on a host of initiatives, including a collaboration between MGM Resorts and Kindbridge Research Institute which sees the gaming giant donate $100,000 to the research institute, and the funds earmarked for a voluntary medication trial for veterans who suffer from gambling addiction in Las Vegas.

Commenting on this initiative, MGM Resorts Chief Compliance Officer and SVP Stephen Martino said that the company cared deeply about treatment options available to problem gamblers.

"We have a longstanding commitment to supporting military members and their families year-round and are privileged to invest in research that benefits this important community," Martino added.

The money will be used for treatment at the Las Vegas Veterans Affairs Residential Recovery and Renewal Center, which offers the service in collaboration with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The opportunity was welcomed by Kindbridge Research Institute Nathan D. Smith, who is Executive Director at the organization, and who has not hesitated to stress the importance this money will play in helping advance the institute’s 50x4vets program.

Similarly, Kindbridge Behavioral Health and BetMGM will work together to expand problem gambling referrals in a number of states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and in Ontario, Canada. BetMGM Chief Compliance Officer RheaLoney has expressed similar optimism about the partnership.

"This expanded investment underscores our dedication to ensuring those who need care can receive it," Loney noted. Kindbridge Behavioral Health CEO Daniel Umfleet was similarly welcoming of the opportunity who described the tie-up as an important initiative that will help support people who are struggling with their gambling.

He noted that the partnership also demonstrates the important responsibility stakeholders and independent bodies bear in helping consumers receive accessible help and overcome their addiction, fostering a safer gambling environment for everyone.

Both MGM and BetMGM are joining the National Council on Problem Gambling’s efforts to raise awareness for PGAM this month.

Image credit: Unsplash.com