Gambling in the USA
MGM Resorts International Pledges $1 Million For Employee Emergency Fund And Donates Close To Half A Million Pounds Of Food, Equivalent To 400,000 Meals Across The US
MGM Resorts International announced an array of initiatives intended to support those impacted economically by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including a $1 million crisis and disaster relief pledge into an employee emergency grant fund and donating the equivalent of 400,000 meals across the United States.
“As we confront extraordinary events and an unprecedented global pandemic crisis, we know that this is an extremely challenging and uncertain time for many of our employees, their families, friends and neighbors and we are committed to help those in need,” said Bill Hornbuckle, Acting CEO and President of MGM Resorts International. “We have done a number of things to help our colleagues, including significantly expanding eligibility coverage for the MGM Employee Emergency Grant Fund. MGM Resorts International is donating $1 million towards disaster relief to offer additional support to employees impacted by the crisis and who may be experiencing hardships.”
Hornbuckle added, “We’ve also stepped up our commitment to communities around the country. Over the past week, MGM has donated the equivalent of 400,000 meals through local food banks to alleviate food insecurity in the United States.”
In November, MGM Resorts launched its bold vision for social impact and sustainability, Focused on What Matters, a companywide program focused on a goal-centered approach to making positive impacts in its communities. Company goals by 2025 include 5 million meals to be donated through its Feeding Forward program and surpassing 1 million volunteer hours within the community.
“In battling the current global crisis, at MGM Resorts we intend to embrace humanity, exemplify inclusion and exhibit compassion. Our commitment to our employees and the communities in which we operate, conduct business and serve our customers, remains steadfast,” said Jyoti Chopra, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Sustainability Officer for MGM Resorts International.
Additional information below:
MGM Resorts Emergency Relief Fund
The MGM Resorts Emergency Relief Fund provides employees and their immediate families with short-term relief in making payments or to meet obligations during unexpected hardships and emergencies. MGM Resorts’ $1 million pledge will provide expanded coverage for the fund to assist those impacted by the coronavirus, including: full-time employees, on-call employees and those facing layoff, separation or furlough.
Community Food Donations Across the Nation
Because of the difficult decision to temporarily close its properties across the country, to date MGM Resorts International has donated over 480,000 pounds of food – or 400,000 meals – to the communities in which it operates. The company is working with local food banks to ensure all available fresh food from its resorts is safely and quickly donated to charitable organizations in several underserved areas.
MGM Resorts International (Las Vegas, NV): Across Las Vegas, MGM Resorts has provided extensive on-the-ground support and in-kind donations to several local community organizations and agencies. So far, the resort group has donated 301,000 pounds of food to Three Square Food Bank, providing 251,000 meals to community members in need. Nonperishable food has been donated from multiple MGM Resorts’ properties across The Strip along with bags for the distribution of food and meals to those in need. MGM will continue to work with Three Square as well as other food banks throughout the city to manage donation intake and food storage.
MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill, Md.): MGM National Harbor worked with food donor partner Nourish Now to contribute 55,000 pounds of food to community nonprofits such as Nourish Now. The food will provide more than 45,000 meals to Maryland residents throughout Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.
MGM Springfield (Springfield, Mass.): MGM Springfield has donated 12,000 pounds to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Open Pantry Community Services and Friends of the Homeless. These donations will provide over 10,000 meals to Springfield residents in need.
Beau Rivage (Biloxi, Miss.): Beau Rivage has donated 25,000 pounds of food to multiple organizations including Extra Table, Loaves & Fishes, Lord is My Help and the Hancock County Food Pantry for individuals and families across the city. The effort will provide more than 20,000 meals to South Mississippi families who may have suddenly found themselves in need.
Gold Strike: (Tunica, Miss.): Gold Strike has donated 10,000 pounds of food which is more than 8,000 meals to Sacred Hearth Southern Mission.
MGM Northfield Park (Northfield, Ohio): Working with JACK Casino and JACK Thistledown, MGM Northfield Park has donated more than 3,000 pounds equal 2,500 meals of food to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, offering support to the Northeast Ohio community. They are continuing to donate throughout the week.
MGM Grand Detroit (Detroit, Mich.): To provide critical help to the city, MGM Grand Detroit has donated approximately 15,000 pounds of produce and dairy products to Forgotten Harvest, a food distribution channel equal to 12,500 meals. MGM Grand Detroit also donated 3,000 gloves to medical professionals in the City of Detroit.
Borgata: (Atlantic City, NJ): The Borgata has donated more than 35,000 pounds or about 30,000 meals to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic County and to the Community Food Bank of NJ.
Empire City:(Yonkers, NY): Cariats of Port Chester NY received approximately 25,000 pounds of food from Empire City which equals to 20,000 meals.
ABOUT MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 29 unique hotel and destination gaming offerings including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. Expanding throughout the U.S. and around the world, the company recently acquired the operations of Empire City Casino in New York and Hard Rock Rocksino in Ohio, which was rebranded as MGM Northfield Park. In 2018, MGM Resorts opened MGM Springfield in Massachusetts, MGM COTAI in Macau, and the first Bellagio-branded hotel in Shanghai. The over 80,000 global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®. For more information visit us at www.mgmresorts.com.
SOURCE MGM Resorts International
Arizona Benefits Fund
Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for Q2 FY 2026
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has officially announced a total of $44,891,270 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This performance marks an approximate 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period in FY 2025, signaling continued strength in the state’s tribal gaming sector.
These contributions are vital to the state’s infrastructure, supporting everything from classroom improvements to emergency medical services.
“The financial support that tribal gaming provides the state of Arizona continues to power local and statewide needs that are vital to healthy and safe communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “With nearly $45 million in tribal gaming contributions in the most recent period, the Department is proud to ensure the continuation of important revenue streams that positively impact Arizonans.”
Where the Money Goes: The Arizona Benefits Fund
Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, 88 percent of all tribal gaming contributions are directed into the Arizona Benefits Fund. This revenue is strictly allocated to high-priority state initiatives.
The Q2 FY 2026 distribution breakdown is as follows:
| Fund Category | Contribution Amount |
| Instructional Improvement Fund (Education) | $22,373,810 |
| Trauma and Emergency Services Fund | $11,186,905 |
| ADG Operating Costs | $4,040,214 |
| Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund | $3,196,258 |
| State Tourism Fund | $3,196,258 |
| Problem Gambling Education & Treatment | $897,825 |
| Total to Arizona Benefits Fund | $44,891,270 |
Local Community Impact
Beyond the state-level funds, the remaining 12 percent of tribal contributions are distributed directly by the tribes to specific cities, towns, and counties. these funds are often used for local community services and public safety programs.
Since FY 2004, cumulative contributions from Arizona’s tribes have surpassed $2.5 billion, demonstrating the long-term economic impact of the partnership between the state and its 22 federally recognized tribes.
Regulatory Oversight and Growth
Currently, the ADG regulates 26 Class III casinos across the state in close partnership with tribal authorities. This regulatory framework ensures the integrity of the games while maximizing the benefits delivered to the public.
For those interested in exploring historical data, the ADG maintains a comprehensive archive of cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year.
To learn more about the current landscape of gaming in the state, visit the official Tribal Gaming webpage.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for Q2 FY 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona
Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced today $44,891,270 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This represents an approximate 5.6 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2025.
“The financial support that tribal gaming provides the state of Arizona continues to power local and statewide needs that are vital to healthy and safe communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “With nearly $45 million in tribal gaming contributions in the most recent period, the Department is proud to ensure the continuation of important revenue streams that positively impact Arizonans.”
The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88 percent of tribal gaming contributions, providing significant dollars to support instructional improvement for schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation throughout the state. If interested in viewing the cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year, please visit our reports webpage: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports.
Tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of the State’s FY 2026 are as follows:
Instructional Improvement Fund/Education………………………………………………..$22,373,810
Trauma and Emergency Services Fund………………………………………………………..$11,186,905
Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs………………………………………….$4,040,214
Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund……………………………………………………………$3,196,258
Tourism Fund…………………………………………………………………………………………..$3,196,258
Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention……………………………..$897,825
Total: Tribal Gaming Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund……………………..$44,891,270
Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, the remaining 12 percent is distributed by the tribes to the cities, towns, and counties of their choosing for community services and public safety programs for local governments. Since FY 2004, cumulative contributions have totaled approximately $2.5 billion, benefitting both the state and its cities, towns, and counties.
Currently, there are 26 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates in partnership with Arizona tribes. For more information, view our tribal gaming webpage: gaming.az.gov/tribal-gaming-page.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Activision Blizzard
BLAST Appoints Industry Veteran Steve Rossi as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships
BLAST, a global leader in competitive entertainment, has officially announced the appointment of Steve Rossi as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships. Rossi joins the team at a pivotal moment, following a record-breaking 2025 that saw the company expand its footprint into New York City, Malta, and Mumbai.
With over 20 years of experience in strategic partnerships across sports, media, and gaming, Rossi is set to lead BLAST’s next phase of commercial evolution.
A Proven Leader in Global Commercial Strategy
Rossi’s career is defined by his ability to bridge the gap between iconic intellectual properties and Fortune 100 brands. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at:
-
Activision Blizzard: Where he was instrumental in the commercialization and global expansion of Activision Blizzard Esports.
-
National Football League (NFL): Driving integrated sponsorships across the NFL Network and digital platforms.
-
Univision Communications: Designing and activating media partnerships across live and linear platforms.
-
PlayVS: Focusing on the intersection of youth esports and brand engagement.
Based in the newly established New York office, Rossi will oversee BLAST’s global Sponsorship Sales and Partner Management & Activation.
Building on a Record-Breaking 2025
The appointment comes as BLAST continues to scale at an unprecedented rate. In 2025, the company delivered:
-
15 Arena Events staged across eight different countries.
-
Broadcasts in 30+ Languages reaching fans in over 100 territories.
-
Expanded Portfolio: Continued investment in top-tier titles including Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Rocket League, Fortnite, and Brawl Stars.
“BLAST has built a truly premium proposition at the intersection of entertainment, gaming, sport and culture,” said Steve Rossi. “I’m excited to work with the team to build long-term, high-impact partnerships that deliver real value for brands, publishers and fans alike.”
A Strategic Vision for 2026
Leo Matlock, Chief Business Officer at BLAST, emphasized that Rossi’s leadership will be instrumental as the company evolves its partnership offerings. “Steve brings deep experience across esports, sport, media and entertainment. His ability to scale global commercial partnerships makes him the perfect fit for BLAST at this incredibly exciting time.”
As BLAST enters 2026, the focus remains on delivering fan-first experiences and commercially impactful collaborations that maintain BLAST’s position as a pioneer in the competitive gaming space.
Learn More
To stay updated on BLAST’s upcoming arena events and commercial ventures, visit the official BLAST website.
The post BLAST Appoints Industry Veteran Steve Rossi as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Barbarossa Dragon Empire6 days agoPeter & Sons Expands Ontario Footprint with Major Casino Time Content Deal
-
Akshat Rathee6 days agoIndian Esports 2026: Strategic Growth and the Asian Games Milestone
-
16-Reel Slot5 days agoMighty Wild™: Gorilla Unleashed – Wazdan Scales New Heights in Jungle Series
-
California6 days agoCGCC Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC) Meeting: Jan 20, 2026
-
Arizona4 days agoArizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026
-
Alex Lorimer4 days agoMega Mammoth – Multiplier Mayhem Charges into the Gaming Corps Portfolio
-
Affiliate Events3 days agoTaking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
-
Brazil iGaming Regulation6 days agoEsportes Gaming Brasil Joins IAB Brasil to Reinforce Responsible Advertising Standards



