BetMGM announced a new advertising campaign focused on promoting responsible gaming messages to customers coinciding with Problem Gambling Awareness month. The responsible gaming messages are featured within the BetMGM mobile app and placed inside the MGM advertisements, including print, television, and radio ads in states with legal gambling.
MGM Expands Responsible Gaming Campaign With GameSense Program
MGM also plans to post responsible gambling messages within their physical sportsbooks spread around the country. Created with help from GameSense, the gaming company also intends to include targeted advertising on its social media accounts.
"We are committed to leading the industry in promoting responsible gaming, which is why we're announcing this unprecedented pledge to spotlight responsible gaming messaging in our advertising," said Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM CEO. "As the legalized sports betting and online gaming industry continues to expand, it is vital that we not only equip players with tools and resources for how to play in a responsible and safe manner but that we also make a significant commitment to showcasing responsible gaming in our advertising."
GameSense, one of the top responsible gambling programs in the gaming industry, worked with BetMGM to produce advertising that creates a positive environment to help bettors recognize signs of problem betting. The GameSense program will also tackle gambling myths and show players how to set betting limits on the mobile app.
In addition to creating clearer messaging on responsible gambling on their digital platforms, MGM plans to implement GameSense for customers at their MGM properties around the world.
MGM Resorts CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle said, "With the continued growth of sports betting and iGaming, it's imperative that our industry remain committed to supporting the best interests of our guests and customers. MGM Resorts is the premier leader in gaming entertainment, and GameSense has helped us set the standard for promoting responsible gaming and prioritizing player health."
Gaming Commissions Act to Stop Underage Gambling
The push for more significant responsible gambling messages comes in the wake of concerns by multiple state gaming councils that sportsbooks and online casinos are confusing customers with muddled terminology.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission recently called a hearing to discuss confusing messaging and violations in other states by the Barstool Sportsbook. After navigating a rocky road to receive their state gaming license, Barstool Sportsbook drew the ire of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission concerning their "Can't Lose Parlay" wager available on their mobile app and website.
Barstool Sportsbook has also come under fire in Ohio after their gaming council discovered that the company, owned by Penn National, was gearing its advertising toward underage bettors at the University of Toledo. The Ohio Gaming Commission fined Penn National $250,000 for the violation and warned Barstool Sportsbook that further infractions could endanger their gaming license in the state.
Lots of Sportsbooks Have Eliminated "Free Bet" from Promos
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently cracked down on the language sportsbooks could use for bonuses on sportsbooks hosted on mobile apps and websites. Operators like BetMGM can no longer use the term "free bet" in their advertising.
While the PCGB believed most of the state's gaming industry was using lawful methods, commissioners wanted to level the playing field and create a standing moving forward for sportsbooks.
With the new regulations sponsored by state gaming councils, BetMGM plans to continue expanding its GameSense program. The company continues looking for ways to make finding responsible gaming information easier, provide straightforward avenues to set healthy betting limits and provide greater education to avoid potential gambling problems.
