In a win-win for the greater good, BCLC is providing its industry-leading player-health program, GameSense, to MGM Resorts International (MGM Resorts) for another five years. With the extension of this contract, more players across North America will have access to tools and resources that support healthy play when they visit any of MGM Resorts’ properties.
The announcement comes a week ahead of BCLC’s 11th Annual New Horizons in Responsible Gambling Conference, which brings industry leaders, researchers and policy-makers together from around the globe to share knowledge and insights about player health strategies.
Through licensing GameSense, BCLC is creating a community-of-practice that raises the standard of care in the industry by implementing evidence-based player-health programs. As part of this extension agreement, MGM Resorts has committed to support responsible gambling research, the details of which will be revealed at BCLC’s New Horizons conference.
“BCLC and MGM Resorts both recognize that the health of our players goes hand-in-hand with the health of our business. When we work together to share best practices that support positive play, our players win and we win,” said Pat Davis, BCLC’s CEO & President. “We’re proud to continue offering the GameSense experience at MGM Resorts to help make gambling safer here in B.C. and beyond.”
Launched by BCLC in 2009, GameSense encourages healthy gambling behaviours by giving players the tools to support informed decisions. This includes helping players understand the odds of winning, the truth behind gambling myths and how to set and stick to personally allocated time and monetary limits.
When BCLC originally shared its program with MGM Resorts in 2017, it was the first time that a commercial gambling company in North America adopted a program of this kind. Since then, MGM Resorts has embedded the GameSense experience into its operations across the United States.
GameSense’s responsible gambling tips and reminders are delivered to players visiting MGM Resorts’ properties through signage, television screens, slot machines, kiosks and conversations with staff.
“Through our partnership and collaboration with BCLC, we’re proud to set the standard and do our part to ensure that gaming is an enjoyable experience,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ CEO & President. “As the industry expands, we will continue to provide players tools and capabilities that empower everyone to play responsibly.”
In total, 11 different organizations across Canada and the U.S. are using BCLC’s GameSense, including the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and Canadian provinces/territories B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon.