BetMGM Updates Terms of Service to Tackle Athlete Harassment

Online sports betting operator BetMGM has updated its terms of service to explicitly ban users from engaging in harassment and abusive conduct toward athletes, officials and other sports figures on its platform, the company announced this week. The change comes as professional athletes and sports organisations have increasingly spoken out about the harmful effects of online abuse connected to sports betting commentary, social accounts and fan interactions.

Under the revised policy, BetMGM’s user agreements now include specific language that prohibits threats, targeted insults and other forms of harassment directed at individual athletes, referees, umpires and team personnel. Violations of the updated terms may result in account suspension, loss of betting privileges or permanent bans, BetMGM said, underscoring the company’s intent to foster a safer and more respectful environment for users and for the broader sports community.

Company executives said the revised terms are part of a broader effort within the sport-betting industry to address rising concerns about online toxicity, particularly as mobile betting and social media commentary become increasingly intertwined. “We want to ensure that every member of the sports ecosystem — including the players and officials who make the games possible — is treated with dignity,” one executive said in a press release, adding that the move aligns with industry standards and best practices.

Athlete harassment has been a growing issue in professional sports, with many players and officials reporting abusive messages, threats and hostile commentary linked to game outcomes, referee decisions or personal backgrounds. Critics of online harassment say that unmoderated platforms can amplify harmful behaviour that goes beyond passionate fandom and into personal attacks.

The updated terms of service also clarify expectations for user conduct beyond harassment of athletes, including prohibitions on hate speech, discriminatory language and threats of violence targeting any individual or group. BetMGM said it will continue to monitor behaviour, enforce its policies and collaborate with sports leagues, player associations and regulators to promote respectful engagement across its services.

Industry observers noted that while online harassment cannot be eliminated solely through platform policies, clearer rules and enforcement mechanisms can help set norms for bettor conduct and discourage behaviour that undermines the integrity and enjoyment of sports. BetMGM’s policy change may also encourage other gambling and social platforms to adopt similar safeguards.

In its announcement, BetMGM invited users to review the updated terms before placing bets or interacting on its site, emphasising that acceptance of the terms is a condition of using its services. The company said the changes take effect immediately and will be reflected in all regions where it operates.