MGM Resorts has continued to support local communities and charitable causes across the US throughout 2019, having generated almost $22bn in economic impact.

Publishing its 2019 Social Impact and Sustainability Report: ‘Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet’, MGM Resorts highlighted some of the community-focused work that it carried out over the year.

Supporting the education of MGM employees’ children, the casino revealed that it had donated $900,000 to fund 100 scholarships – with an aim to extend this to 600 scholarships by 2025.

Of those that were awarded a scholarship, 80% were taking part in a four-year degree, 56% of which were ‘first-generation college students’.

The casino has also upped its commitment to supporting the communities surrounding the MGM casinos, having donated $24.5m to local businesses, with more than $680,000 directed towards initiatives which combat food insecurity.

“Across the United States, we know that our local communities are still in need of assistance on many levels,” said Jyoti Chopra, chief people, inclusion and sustainability officer.

“We are committed to embracing humanity through our support and advocacy whether it be for racial justice, equal employment laws, providing food and meals for those suffering hardships due to the pandemic or protecting our planet through leading sustainable practices.

“Across a broad spectrum of environment, social and governance areas, we will continue to engage with our community partners to understand societal needs and identify how MGM can be part of the solution.”

On a regional level, MGM’s Empire City Casino in New York has generated $3.7bn for education since opening in 2006, and continues to generate an average of $25 million monthly for state education.

Meanwhile the MGM Grand Detroit in Michigan donated $552,881,733 to Detroit-based businesses, circa $7.5m was paid to Minority Business Enterprises, while just over $2.5m paid to Women Business Enterprises.

Furthermore, at the MGM Springfield, Massachusetts, the casino paid just under $40m in city tax contributions, with around $88.5m paid towards state tax contributions and $490,497 given to charitable causes.

“As our stakeholders and investors demand more action, it is vital that we evolve a strategy that directly addresses the most material and pressing issues, creates value and ensures the longevity of our company, our communities and our planet,” said Bill Hornbuckle, acting CEO and president of MGM Resorts International.

“Though all MGM properties were closed for nearly three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company continued to work closely with community partners throughout the country to understand unique regional needs and to provide relief and aid where it was most needed.

“So far, the company has distributed $7m in emergency grant payments supporting employees and their immediate families impacted by the crisis; donated food and products valued at over $1m, including 500,000 equivalent meals for food banks and 100,000 masks for community health needs; and leveraged its procurement and logistics expertise to source 500,000 N95 masks, 260,000 gowns, 250,000 rapid PCR COVID-19 test kits and 200,000 gloves on behalf of the State of Nevada COVID-19 Task Force.”