BetMGM Updates Rules to Crack Down on Athlete Harassment

BetMGM Sportsbook is stepping up its fight to curb a growing problem in the world of sports betting.

The Las Vegas-based operator has updated the sportsbook’s terms and conditions to include a section regarding the harassment of athletes. It contains language to allow the operator to suspend or permanently ban bettors found to have harassed athletes over hot wagers.

“BetMGM maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment of sports officials, coaches, athletes, or any other individuals connected to sporting events. Any player using the Services who engages in abusive, threatening, defamatory, or harassing conduct of any kind toward sports officials, coaches, athletes, or any other individuals connected to sporting events may have their account suspended or permanently terminated, at BetMGM’s sole discretion,” the new section reads.

The operator made it clear that the new policy would have zero tolerance and promised to use its resources to identify, investigate, and prove instances of harassment against athletes, coaches, and officials.

"We are unwavering in our commitment to sports integrity — and that commitment extends to safeguarding athletes, coaches, and league personnel," said BetMGM Chief Compliance Officer Rhea Loney in a press release. "Our legal, regulated environment enables us to identify misconduct, investigate reports, and take action when necessary. Any confirmed instance of harassment will result in decisive measures, including account suspension."

New Policy Could Be Tested Soon

BetMGM’s new policy change could soon face its first test.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are about to kick off in Italy, with sportsbooks around the globe offering odds across all events. This is one of the world’s largest amateur sports events, meaning most athletes are the subject of wagers outside of it. 

Once the games conclude, another major amateur event will take place in the NCAA Tournament. While the harassment was reported to have dropped during last year’s March Madness, most of that improvement came from the women’s side.

Amateur athletes participating in these events lack social media teams or security details. That means angry bettors can reach them directly, making the harassment far more intimidating. Those victims may feel their options for help are limited, leading to harm to their mental and financial health.

Between the two upcoming events, harassment is almost guranteed to take place. The question now is whether BetMGM and other sportsbooks can detect and penalize such violations.