MGM Resorts and BetMGM have announced new initiatives with mental health care provider Kindbridge as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
MGM Resorts has donated $100,00 to the Kindbridge Research Institute in support of a voluntary medication trial for veterans experiencing gambling addiction in Las Vegas, while BetMGM has announced it will expand its relationship with Kindbridge Behavioural Health.
MGM Resorts and Kindbridge Research Institute
MGM Resorts’ donation of $100,000 will contribute to research into a first-of-its-kind treatment that aims to reduce gambling urges and symptom severity among veterans with gambling disorders.
The research, run in conjunction with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, is part of the Kindbridge Research Institute’s 50x4vets program which aims to increase the research on gambling disorders 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.”
“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,” added Stephen Martino, Senior Vice president and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts.
BetMGM and Kindbridge Behavioral Health
Thanks to the expansion in its relationship, BetMGM and Kindbridge Behavioural Health will now offer problem gambling referrals in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ontario.
March also marks BetMGM’s sixth month in the Kindbridge Colorado Pilot Program.
According to BetMGM, this type of collaboration offers direct access to comprehensive mental health assessments, treatment and group support services. For example, Colorado residents who have opted to be banned from gambling through the state’s self-exclusion program are now receiving referrals for voluntary treatment from BetMGM.
“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.”
Problem Gambling Awareness Month
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the U.S. where it is estimated that 9 million American adults suffer from a gambling problem, resulting in a national social cost of $14 billion annually.
Led by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the nationwide grassroot campaign will bring together stakeholders across the industry and aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
“Problem gambling is a clear and growing public health risk, affecting millions of individuals and their loved ones. Yet, our research indicates that fewer than 50% of Americans know where to get help for a gambling problem,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of NCPG. “By increasing awareness and fostering an open dialogue about problem gambling, we can work to reduce the stigma surrounding gambling addiction and promote the resources available for treatment and recovery.”
