Friday, March 1, 2024
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and BetMGM have unveiled pioneering collaborations with Kindbridge aimed at advancing problem gambling research and mental health services. Kindbridge Research Institute and Kindbridge Behavioral Health are organizations dedicated to understanding issues within at-risk communities and providing evidence-based treatment for gambling disorders.
In a joint effort, MGM Resorts and Kindbridge Research Institute have announced a significant initiative. MGM Resorts has contributed $100,000 to support a voluntary medication trial conducted by Kindbridge Research Institute. This trial targets veterans grappling with gambling addiction in Las Vegas, marking a groundbreaking approach to treatment. The primary goal is to mitigate gambling urges and alleviate symptom severity among veterans struggling with gambling disorders.
“This contribution will help explore and identify innovative treatment for a population our company cares deeply about,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts. “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.”
Research will be completed by treatment providers at the Las Vegas Veterans Affairs Residential Recovery and Renewal Center (LVR3) in partnership with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The study is part of Kindbridge Research Institute’s 50x4vets program, a multi-year research initiative aimed at increasing research on gambling disorder in veterans by fifty times in four years.
“This is such a promising intervention,” said Nathan D. Smith, Executive Director of Kindbridge Research Institute. “We are so grateful for MGM Resorts’ support of this research to improve the lives of veterans and extend the work of the many great scientists, treatment providers, and donors of the 50x4vets program.”
BetMGM and Kindbridge Behavioral Health are amplifying their partnership to provide problem gambling referrals across various states and regions. BetMGM’s latest initiative extends this collaboration to Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. This expansion follows BetMGM’s successful six-month participation in the Kindbridge Colorado Pilot Program.
“We are proud to lead the way in providing individuals with this potentially life-changing support and are pleased with how the program has performed so far,” said Rhea Loney, BetMGM’s Chief Compliance Officer. “This expanded investment underscores our dedication to ensuring those who need care can receive it. As access to sports betting and online gaming continues to grow, so should access to problem gambling treatment and care.”
This groundbreaking partnership between an online operator and a treatment provider provides direct access to thorough mental health assessments, treatment options, and group support services. Consequently, numerous residents of Colorado who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling through the state’s self-exclusion program are now receiving referrals for voluntary treatment from BetMGM.
“We welcome BetMGM’s decision to extend mental health services to players in distress across multiple jurisdictions,” added Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health. “This initiative is a positive step toward supporting individuals facing challenges with gambling. It underscores the importance of accessible help and the role we all play in fostering safer gaming environments.”
This announcement coincides with MGM Resorts and BetMGM’s participation in the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)’s recognition of March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). Throughout the month, MGM Resorts properties nationwide and the BetMGM app will prominently display new GameSense messaging. GameSense, an acclaimed responsible gaming program initially developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in 2017, emphasizes transparent and proactive interactions with guests and customers regarding responsible gambling practices.
Further Initiatives:
MGM Resorts and BetMGM prioritize comprehensive and research-based responsible gaming training for all employees year-round. This training enables employees to actively promote responsible gaming and address concerns related to problem gambling through GameSense.
This year, over 64,000 employees have undergone training through the MGM Resorts and BetMGM responsible gaming employee program via GameSense. Of these, over 400 have completed advanced levels of training, earning the designation of GameSense Advisor.
At every MGM Rewards desk across the nation, GameSense Advisors are stationed to provide assistance and support to guests and their families.
Additionally, MGM Resorts and BetMGM maintain their collaboration with the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan. ® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign. This ongoing partnership aims to educate both new and experienced bettors on responsible and legal sports wagering practices.
Tags: BetMGM, Kindbridge, massachusetts, Michigan
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
