MGM Gives $25,000 to LGBTQ+ Project
Author:
Jacob McKenzie
During a Pride Month event, MGM Resorts International announced its commitment of $25,000 in funding to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship in Nevada. The funds were granted to the Nevada Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GLCCNV). This gesture aligns with the recognition of June as Pride Month in the United States, a tradition that has been observed since 1999.
MGM Resorts International has announced its intent to commit $25,000 in funding to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship in Nevada through the Nevada Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GLCCNV).
?Daniel Halseth/Unsplash
Nevada Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GLCCNV) Supports LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
MGM Resorts International, a leading name in the gaming and hospitality industry, has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community by providing $25,000 in funding to the Nevada Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GLCCNV). The contribution was made during a special Pride Month event, as June is widely recognized as Pride Month in the United States.
The financial support from MGM will bolster GLCCNV’s mission to empower LGBTQ+ individuals in Nevada by fostering entrepreneurship and providing business opportunities. MGM Resorts International has a strong focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion both within its organization and across the industry. As part of these efforts, the company has implemented initiatives such as the Supplier Diversity Program, which actively supports diverse-owned businesses, creating an environment that embraces acceptance and fosters equal opportunities.
MGM Resorts International has long been at the forefront of championing LGBTQ+ rights and equality. In fact, the company was among the early pioneers in the gaming and hospitality sector to offer same-sex health benefits to its employees as early as 2004. This commitment to inclusivity and supporting LGBTQ+ causes further solidifies MGM’s position as a socially responsible and forward-thinking organization in the gambling industry and beyond.
MGM Proud to Support GLCCNV’s Efforts in Promoting Diverse Businesses
Jyoti Chopra, the Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts, expressed the group’s deep sense of honor in providing support to the GLCCNV. Emphasizing the belief in equal opportunities for all individuals to thrive, Chopra highlighted the immense pride felt in belonging to a community that values diversity and promotes inclusion:
“Everyone deserves equal opportunity to flourish. We take immense pride in being part of a community that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion.”– Jyoti Chopra, Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer, MGM Resorts,Press Release
Chopra continued by expressing their deep sense of honor in supporting the GLCCNV and its mission of empowering the LGBTQ+ community through entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for growth:
“MGM Resorts is honored to support the GLCCNV in their mission of uplifting LGBTQ+ community through entrepreneurship and opportunity.”
MGM Resorts Signed UN Water Mandate in March 2023
MGM Resorts International took a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of climate change in March 2023 by becoming the first major operator to support the United Nations’ CEO Water Mandate. This global initiative brings together hundreds of companies committed to tackling water crises and the associated challenges on a global scale.
The CEO Water Mandate functions by urging business leaders to make substantial commitments and take action in key sectors, while also providing annual progress reports. The mandate aims to identify and mitigate critical water risks for participating businesses, seize water-related opportunities, and contribute to water security and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With over 230 companies from various industries and regions already on board, MGM Resorts joins this growing coalition. The operator has been proactive in water conservation efforts, having implemented its Global Water Policy in 2022. Notably, MGM Resorts reduced its water consumption by 37% between 2007 and 2021 and avoided using 5.6 billion gallons through conservation practices and water-efficient building designs.
MGM Resorts chief executive and president Bill Hornbuckle stressed the specific challenges of conserving water in Las Vegas’ arid desert environment before emphasizing MGM’s pride at hopping on board such an initiative:
“Given our environmental conditions, Las Vegas has long been innovative in its approach to water. We are fortunate to do business in a place that has a world class water management system and hope to help others learn from successes here. The ongoing drought and effects of climate change in the Western US are a wake-up call that we need to do more, and to that end. We’re proud to endorse the CEO Water Mandate to not only share what we’ve learned in Las Vegas, but also help strengthen our commitments.”– Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Executive and President, MGM Resorts,Press Release
BetMGM Launched Retail Sports Betting Offering in Massachusetts Back in February 2023
Continuing its expansion into the fabric of American society, the renowned casino and sportsbook operator BetMGM officially announced the introduction of its retail sports betting services in Massachusetts back in February 2023. This exciting development comes as the state’s regulated market was finally inaugurated on January 31st, 2023.
The historic moment occurred at the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge located within the MGM Springfield casino, where the very first legal wager in Massachusetts was placed. The honor of placing this inaugural bet was bestowed upon Domenic J. Sarno, the mayor of Springfield. Adding to the significance of the occasion, Sarno was accompanied by Boston ice hockey legend Ray Bourque.
BetMGM’s highly anticipated launch in Massachusetts follows the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s approval for Category 1 license-holders to operate sports betting within the state. The expansion of BetMGM’s retail sports betting services into Massachusetts underscores the industry’s growing prominence in the daily lives of Americans. As legal sports wagering continues to unfold across the country, operators like BetMGM are actively positioning themselves to offer engaging and responsible sports betting experiences to enthusiasts nationwide.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, noted how long the process had taken, but expressed joy at how he was personally honored to be placing the first bet and working on such a large team:
“Yet another first for our city of Springfield (the City of Firsts) and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This has been a long time coming and brings yet another chapter of innovation to enhance the operations and development at MGM Springfield. As a strong proponent of MGM Springfield and their marquee Sports Betting Lounge, which will bring more jobs and economic spin-off effect to Springfield and the region, I am honored to join with MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley, BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, MGM Resorts VP Chris Gumiela, and Bruins Legend and Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, to make the first sports wager in the state – maybe I’ll pick a winner for the Super Bowl.”
