MGM Resorts announced earlier this week that it would be launching a new online casino website, along with an online poker site. The new gambling sites are set to operate in the New Jersey market and will fall under the playMGM brand name.
MGM Partners with GVC
MGM has announced that it signed an agreement with GVC, a multi-national sports betting and gaming group that is based in the UK. GVC is set to provide the company with the software needed for the new online casino and poker website, with the launch scheduled to happen later this year. At this stage, MGM is unable to give a more specific time period than that.
This endeavour will be company’s first venture into the world of real-money online gambling under its own name. It must be noted though that it does own the Borgata brand, which has been offering an online casino and poker site, so at least MGM does have some experience to draw from.
The resorts firm has been absent from the New Jersey market and did not benefit from the legalization of online gambling back in 2013. This was largely due to concerns over its partnership with Pansy Ho, who was involved with MGM’s presence in Macau. His father was suspected have having relations with the Triads at the time.
MGM Entering Booming Industry
The company was told to cut off any ties with Ho by the DGE. However, the firm instead pulled out of New Jersey. During the course of 2014, Ho significantly reduced his share in MGM Grand Macau, which was enough to allow the company to return to the New Jersey market.
It looks like this is the perfect time for MGM to enter the online casino industry, as 2016 was the best year to date. In addition to this, the firm’s rewards program, M life, will be included in the online casino platform and allow online gamblers to earn rewards points. These reward points will be accepted by all 15 of the company’s hotels, resorts, and casinos in the United States.
