BetMGM
TheLines.com: NFL Week 18 a challenge for oddsmakers, bettors
NFL’S FIRST-EVER WEEK 18 WILL PROVIDE CHALLENGES FOR ODDSMAKERS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE SEASON’S FINAL WEEK, ACCORDING TO THELINES.COM
(LAS VEGAS) — The majority of playoff berths are clinched ahead of NFL’s first-ever Week 18, which can make games more unpredictable than a typical slate of games, according to TheLines.com, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market.
Week 18 games with playoff ramifications, though, can be more dependable for oddsmakers. The Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams, and the win-or-go-home Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders are among those featuring teams fighting for their playoff lives or have significant seeding implications. Three of those games offer a spread of 5.5 points or less, according to a consensus of that nation’s largest legal online sportsbooks — including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, and PointsBet.
“The final week, in particular, brings a level of uncertainty not seen in any other week because the motivation for teams out of the playoff race is uncertain, and the top teams often rest their best players,” said Brett Collson, lead analyst for TheLines.com. “Games with playoff implications tend to be more dependable, but even then you never quite know how teams respond to playing for their postseason lives. It’s uniquely challenging — and fun — for oddsmakers and bettors.”
The consensus point spreads for Week 18 games, as of Monday, Jan. 3:
- Kansas City Chiefs (-10) at Denver Broncos; over/under 44.5
- Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) at Philadelphia Eagles; over/under 41.5
- Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (-2.5); over/under 44
- Green Bay Packers (-11) at Detroit Lions; over/under 46.5
- Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5); over/under 44.5
- Washington Football Team (-6.5) at New York Giants; over/under 38.5
- Indianapolis Colts (-15.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars; over/under 44
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-4.5); over/under 42
- Tennessee Titans (-10.5) at Houston Texans; over/under 43
- New Orleans Saints (-4.5) at Atlanta Falcons; over/under 40
- New York Jets at Buffalo Bills (-16.5); over/under 45
- New England Patriots (-5.5) at Miami Dolphins; over/under 40
- Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9.5); over/under 42.5
- San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (-5.5); over/under 44.5
- Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (-6.5); over/under 48
- Los Angeles Chargers (-3) at Las Vegas Raiders; over/under 48.5
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Almir Ribeiro
BetMGM Brazil hires veteran journalist to lead government relations
BetMGM Brasil has appointed Fernando Vieira de Mello, a journalist with more than 30 years of experience across media, journalism and entertainment, to strengthen its government relations strategy in the country.
The hire comes as Brazil’s regulated betting market enters a phase of consolidation and maturity.
Vieira de Mello is widely recognised in Brazil’s communications market for his career at Grupo Globo, TV Bandeirantes, Rádio Bandeirantes and TV Cultura, where he held roles as reporter, anchor, journalism director and institutional relations executive.
Most recently, he served as director of institutional relations for São Paulo at Grupo Globo, building dialogue with market segments and regulatory bodies across the Brazilian ecosystem.
“Fernando brings a rare combination of experience in communications, management, institutional relations and a deep understanding of Brazil’s media ecosystem,” said Almir Ribeiro, CEO of BetMGM Brasil.
“His arrival further strengthens our long-term vision for the country.”
Vieira de Mello pointed to the scale of the opportunity ahead.
“Few sectors in Brazil will go through such an intense process of transformation and reputation building over the coming years as online betting.
BetMGM enters this moment with very solid attributes: an operation backed by two global groups of enormous credibility, exclusive focus on regulated markets and a clear long-term vision for Brazil.”
The appointment reflects BetMGM’s broader effort to deepen engagement with strategic stakeholders and advance its governance, responsibility and sustainable market-building agenda in Brazil.
BetMGM Brasil
Launched in January 2025, BetMGM Brasil is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Grupo Globo. Headquartered in São Paulo, the company was among the first 14 operators to receive definitive authorisation to operate in Brazil’s regulated betting market.
Beyond Brazil, BetMGM offers online gaming and betting platforms in 29 regulated US states and across Europe.
The post BetMGM Brazil hires veteran journalist to lead government relations appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BetMGM
BetMGM lands first-to-market exclusivity for new AGS Rakin’ Bacon! slots
Three-game rollout starts April 20 on BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino, with launches set for May 12 and July 2.
BetMGM has secured exclusive first-to-market rights to upcoming online slot titles from AGS’ Rakin’ Bacon!® franchise, with releases set to roll out across BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino, the company said April 20.
The first title, Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink Soda Fountain Fortunes, is available now. Two additional games are scheduled: Rakin’ Bacon! Triple Oink San Shen Zhu on May 12 and Rakin’ Bacon! Fu Zhu Bao Bao on July 2.
“The Rakin’ Bacon! franchise is a proven mainstay on casino floors and online,” said Oliver Bartlett, Senior Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM. “Securing first-to-market rights is a natural extension of the strong relationship we’ve built with top-tier game suppliers like AGS. As a premier online casino destination, it is our commitment to offer players first access to the most anticipated titles.”
BetMGM said Rakin’ Bacon! games have been among its top-performing content, noting that two slot titles from the franchise placed among the platform’s top 15 iGaming offerings in 2025.
Zoe Ebling, Vice President of Interactive at AGS, said, “AGS is focused on bringing the energy of land-based favorites into the digital world in ways that drive real engagement. Our continued partnership with BetMGM and bringing even more Rakin’ Bacon! titles online cements AGS’ commitment to offering standout gaming experiences to players across both platforms.”
More data as follows:
- BetMGM newsroom (original release): https://casino.betmgm.com/en/blog/press/ Primary source for the announcement and any follow-up details.
- AGS newsroom: https://newsroom.playags.com/ Company source for product and partnership updates on AGS’ interactive content.
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement: https://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/ Regulatory context for online casino operations referenced in Jersey City, NJ.
The post BetMGM lands first-to-market exclusivity for new AGS Rakin’ Bacon! slots appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BetMGM
Inspired Entertainment Announces Expansion of Virtual Sports with BetMGM
Inspired Entertainment Inc. announced that BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has launched Inspired’s Virtual Sports content at BetMGM and Borgata Online sports betting platforms in New Jersey. The offering includes V-Play Soccer, V-Play Basketball, and V-Play NFL-themed Football.
Inspired’s V-Play Soccer and V-Play U.S. sports events consistently deliver incremental revenue for operators, combining broadcast-quality graphics with frequent betting opportunities that keep players engaged.
Inspired’s V-Play NFL-themed Football stands out as the first-ever NFL-themed Virtual Sports offering, giving football enthusiasts an exciting and unique way to interact with their favorite NFL teams through a fully engaging Virtual Sports experience.
“We are pleased to expand our partnership with BetMGM and Borgata to bring our proven Virtual Sports products to their New Jersey sportsbook. Our V-Play Soccer, Basketball, and V-Play NFL-themed Football products have demonstrated strong performance across regulated markets, driving meaningful incremental revenue and engagement for our operator partners. This launch underscores the growing role Virtual Sports play in modern sportsbooks, where companies that position Virtual Sports within their sportsbook, rather than their online casino, consistently generate higher revenues,” said Brooks Pierce, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inspired Entertainment.
“Inspired Entertainment is a leader in Virtual Sports and expanding our partnership represents an important milestone in elevating BetMGM and Borgata Online’s offerings in New Jersey. Inspired’s V-Play portfolio delivers the premium, engaging sports content and results from Ontario have shown a positive player response,” said Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer at BetMGM.
Inspired’s V-Play Soccer, V-Play Basketball, and V-Play NFL-themed Football are currently live at BetMGM in Ontario, and has established a strong, loyal player base generating high, sustained performance across all three products.
Inspired continues to grow its Virtual Sports presence across regulated jurisdictions worldwide, providing operators with innovative, high-quality content designed to enhance engagement, generate incremental revenue, and ensure the season never ends.
The post Inspired Entertainment Announces Expansion of Virtual Sports with BetMGM appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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