BetMGM introduces 'zero-tolerance' athlete anti-harassment policy targeting sports betting threats and abuse

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FIRST ON FOX — The sports betting industry says it is taking a major step forward in the protection of athletes and the preservation of the integrity of the game with a groundbreaking policy that holds bettors accountable for threats made against players, coaches and officials.

BetMGM will launch a new "Athlete Anti-Harassment Policy" this week that will allow the betting operator to suspend or permanently terminate a customer’s account if it is determined that they have engaged "in abusive, threatening, defamatory, or harassing conduct of any kind toward sports officials, coaches, athletes, or any other individuals connected to sporting events." 

The "zero-tolerance" policy comes at a time when players have been vocal about the rise in online harassment amid a rise in sports betting.

The sportsbook in the Circa Resort & Hotel ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 10, 2024. (Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Rhea Loney, chief compliance officer of BetMGM, spoke to Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview about the new policy and explained the motivation behind the need for more explicit protections for players and other sports figures.

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"Harassment of athletes being tied to betting outcomes is not something any of us should accept. Athletes under criticism, you know, that comes with the job," Loney explained, "But when it comes to threats, abuse, intimidation, that's just different. And threats, abuse, intimidation, and harassment, they harm individuals. They undermine the integrity of sport."

Social media have become a major factor in this issue, with