MGM Resorts furloughs 60,000 workers but launches $11M relief fund

A lifeline for laid-off workers: MGM's $11M fund grows with celebrity donations. How the company is stepping up during unprecedented shutdowns.

, and Administrator

2026 March 25 . 4:02 AM

1 min read

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MGM Resorts furloughs 60,000 workers but launches $11M relief fund

MGM Resorts has furloughed around 60,000 US workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company set up an emergency fund to help affected employees and their families during the crisis. The MGM Resorts Employee Emergency Grant Fund was created to provide short-term financial relief. So far, it has raised approximately $11 million.

Before placing staff on furlough, MGM Resorts gave employees two weeks of pay—a step not all competitors took. Acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed the company is actively supporting workers while its properties remain closed.

Celebrities and executives have contributed to the fund, though most have not publicly announced their donations. Musician Bruno Mars gave $1 million, matching the company's initial $1 million deposit. The estate of late MGM founder Kirk Kerkorian donated $2 million, while figures like David Copperfield, Jay Leno, and Bill Maher also contributed. Senior executives and other staff members have added to the total as well.

Nevada, where many MGM properties are based, reported 2,456 coronavirus cases and 80 deaths at the time of the report. The fund continues to grow, offering vital support to furloughed and laid-off MGM employees. With contributions from public figures, executives, and the company itself, the relief effort aims to ease financial strain during the pandemic shutdowns.