Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts has announced plans to launch an online casino and poker site in New Jersey (NJ).
Online gambling in the US is only legal in three states with Nevada and NJ making up two of them. While MGM does not have an online poker product in its home state, it already operates gambling sites in NJ under the Borgata brand.
This time, the international casino company will be putting its name, playMGM, behind the iPoker product and online casino.
The agreement made between MGM and GVC Holdings – the software provider behind Borgata – makes it the second time the gambling companies have worked together. MGM owned half of Borgata when it first went live and then acquired the land-based casino altogether last year.
What is so unique about this new launch is it is the first time MGM has attached itself to online casino and poker products.
Chief operating officer of MGM Resorts, Corey Sanders, said it was a “historic moment for MGM Resorts”.
“GVC has been a first-rate partner for us, and we are excited about the possibilities of extending that partnership as regulated markets open up in the U.S,” he added.
GVC Chief Operating Officer, Shay Segev, said the company was “delighted to extend” the relationship in a press release.
“MGM Resorts is quite simply one of the biggest and best names in the business, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come,” Mr Segev added.
According to media reports, the online casino and poker room will take on a similar appearance to Borgata’s but feature the MGM branding. The online gambling products will be accessible from smartphones, tablets, desktops and laptops.
Going off Borgata’ selections, there will be around 300 casino games, both slots and table games included, plus a poker room with cash games and tournaments.
MGM and GVC did not reveal a date the online casino and poker room would be going live and instead said it would be “launching later this year.” It is likely M Life – the MGM rewards program which offers discounts on accommodation, car parking and more – will be integrated and gamblers will be able to link accounts.
Online gambling is exploding in NJ which is no doubt why MGM is getting a piece of the pie. Online casinos based in NJ reported $21 million in revenue in March, which is a new record.
Borgata started off well in the online gambling industry, and it is likely the MGM brand will give the new gambling sites a head start in the market.
MGM is showing definite signs it is moving towards an online gambling future. CEO Jim Murren wants Internet wagering to be regulated nationwide and supports the move to legalise online poker in New York.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.