Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC) has issued an expert commentary on what it calls a “regulatory reset” in the U.S. gambling sector, as lawmakers and regulators respond to explosive growth in consumer betting behavior. According to the American Gaming Association, Americans wagered a record $148 billion on sports in 2024. This surge has sparked new scrutiny from both federal and state-level authorities.

Recent legislative efforts in New York, Louisiana, and Montana have targeted sweepstakes-based casinos and skill-based betting formats. Proposed changes include tighter bet size limits, stricter advertising rules, and licensing reforms aimed at reducing player harm and increasing transparency.

“The regulatory environment is catching up with consumer behavior. There’s growing concern over how online gambling is marketed, accessed, and governed. Areas like responsible gaming, ad targeting, and instant deposits are now being looked at much more critically,” said a spokesperson at MDC.

According to the latest figures from the American Gaming Association, U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached $19.44 billion in Q2 2025, marking a 9.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Online casino gaming accounted for $2.6 billion of that total, reflecting a 32.3% year-over-year jump. The numbers underscore continued momentum for digital platforms even as regulations tighten.

MDC’s commentary urges both players and operators to stay ahead of the curve. As laws evolve, demand is rising for licensed platforms that offer low-deposit access, better responsible gambling tools, and full regulatory compliance.

Americans are expected to wager an estimated $30 billion on the upcoming 2025 NFL season through legal U.S. sportsbooks, according to American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates. This represents an 8.5% increase over last season’s revised estimated handle of $27.6 billion.

“This season, fans have more ways than ever to responsibly engage with the game they love. Legal sports betting enhances the fun and friendly competition that make NFL games and traditions even more special. With strong consumer protections and a shared commitment to responsibility, the legal, regulated sports betting industry encourages all footballs fans to have a game plan before placing a bet and ensure their gameday experience – regardless of the outcome of a bet or the game – remains enjoyable,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

As fans prepare for another season of NFL action, the AGA is reminding bettors to “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” The national campaign remains central to encouraging responsible sports betting and promotes five key principles:

• Set a Budget and Stick to It: Determine how much you are willing to spend and never chase losses.

• Keep it Social: Betting should be a form of entertainment shared with friends and family.

• Know the Odds: Understand the games and your chances of winning.

• Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.

• Keep Your Cool: Athlete harassment is never acceptable and good sportsmanship is for everyone.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in 2018, 38 states and Washington, D.C. now offer consumers safe and regulated options to engage with their favorite sports. Americans’ support for legal sports betting remains strong, with 75% of Americans supporting legal sports wagering in their home state, and 90% viewing sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment.

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced that they are once again partnering with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2025) this September.

For the third consecutive year, GameSense messaging will appear at select NFL stadiums on LED ribbons—including one new venue this upcoming football season. Also new for the 2025 season, these messages will be featured prominently on stadium scoreboards during pre-game activities and also within gameday magazines. GameSense is an industry-leading responsible gaming program first developed and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). The program focuses on positive, transparent, and proactive engagements with guests and customers about how to gamble responsibly.

GameSense messaging will be promoted at the following stadiums:

• Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers)

• Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders)

• Empower Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos)

• Ford Field (Detroit Lions)

• GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs)

• Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)

• M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)

• MetLife Stadium (New York Jets)

• Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans)

• State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals)

“Placing GameSense in league stadiums gives us direct access to millions of fans each week. It’s a powerful platform to promote public awareness and amplify our company’s commitment to provide a safe and informed gambling experience,” said Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM.

In September, GameSense and the AGA’s Play Smart from the Start messaging will reach guests via digital platforms, retail sportsbooks, Las Vegas marquees, and the new MGM Grand Live Dealer studio. BetMGM Sportsbook messaging will also remind players to “take a time-out” and “budget before you bet,” with QR codes linking to responsible gaming resources.

Trained GameSense Advisors will continue supporting guests at BetMGM Sportsbooks and MGM Rewards desks nationwide. MGM Resorts has now certified over 1900 employees through the GameSense Advisor program, while BetMGM has continued its partnership with EPIC Global Solutions to deliver lived–experience training to all employees.

Also, coinciding with RGEM 2025, MGM Resorts announced a $250,000 contribution to the International Center for Responsible Gaming. This donation will support independent, peer–reviewed research that advances best practices aimed at supporting casino employees and player protection strategies.

Stephen Martino, SVP and Chief Compliance Officer at MGM Resorts, said: “Investing in our team members through extensive training and scientific research sets higher operational standards and elevates the guest experience. It also supports the long-term sustainability of our business and the communities where we operate.”

Building on that commitment, both MGM Resorts and BetMGM continue to support the AGA’s “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” public-service campaign, which educates both new and experienced sports bettors on safe wagering practices and choosing licensed operators in regulated markets.

Joe Maloney, SVP of Strategic Communications at American Gaming Association, said: “Collaboration plays a vital role in enhancing responsible gaming outcomes. We’re proud to partner with MGM Resorts and BetMGM and see firsthand how these efforts are making a meaningful difference.”