Gambling in the USA

MGM Resorts International And GVC Holdings Commit To Second Round Of Investment In US Sports Betting And Online Gaming Platform BetMGM

Published

5 years ago

July 10, 2020

Reading Time: 5 minutes

ROAR Digital, LLC – the US sports betting and online gaming company operating as BetMGM and owned jointly by MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings – announced that its shareholders have committed to a second round of investment, bringing the total to $450 million. This increase follows MGM Resorts’ and GVC’s total initial commitment of $200 million and underpins their commitment to BetMGM becoming a leading player in the rapidly growing US sports betting and iGaming markets. These two rounds of investment provide the Company with over $370 million of investable capital at present.

Since its launch in 2018, the Company has made significant progress and is on track to operate in 11 states by the end of 2020. In addition to the financial strength of both its shareholders, the Company benefits from MGM Resorts’ leading brand, iconic physical properties, and loyal customer base, along with GVC’s proprietary, globally-proven technology.

“We launched this business to combine the best of MGM Resorts and GVC, and establish BetMGM as a leading brand in the US sports betting and iGaming markets,” said Adam Greenblatt, CEO of ROAR Digital, LLC. “With broad market access secured, our long-term technology foundations now firmly established, and a high performing team in place, this further unequivocal support from our two shareholders will ensure we can achieve leading market positions in this exciting industry that is growing even faster than our initial expectations.”

Greenblatt concluded, “BetMGM is on track to generate over $130 million of net revenues this year predominantly from iGaming in New Jersey given the impact of COVID-19. With the return of sports and our growing operations across the US, we anticipate rapid growth in the coming year.”

The Company’s success will be built on its four core strategic tenets, each of which provide distinct competitive advantages:

1. Market access:

The Company has already secured market access to 19 states¹ which together reach approximately 50% of the US population. It has active operations in seven states with four more expected to launch by year end 2020.

With a best-in-class web, mobile, and desktop sportsbook platform as well as supporting MGM Resorts’ brick and mortar sportsbook destinations, BetMGM’s exclusive betting engine allows sports fans to place bets quickly, safely and easily in every channel. This superior experience, together with the Company’s demonstrated strength in player onboarding and management as well as GVC’s global sportsbook expertise, places BetMGM in a very strong position to achieve a leading share in the US sports betting market, estimated to achieve revenues of approximately $8.5 billion² by 2025.

In iGaming, the Company has already achieved a leading market position in New Jersey with approximately 18% market share³ and gross gaming revenue growth of 210% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year quarter. The US iGaming market is estimated to achieve revenues of approximately $6.9 billion² by 2025, and the Company believes that it can replicate this leading market position in other jurisdictions, as additional states legalize iGaming in the future.

2. Customer reach:

The Company is uniquely positioned to access a wide range of customers through its partners, affiliates and its omni-channel approach.

MGM Resorts has an established portfolio of market-leading properties across the US, giving BetMGM access to market to millions of engaged and brand loyal customers. M life Rewards, MGM Resorts’ loyalty program, has over 34 million members, of which approximately 18% are located in states planned to be live on the BetMGM platform by the end of 2020.

The Company is integrating M life Rewards in support of an omni-channel strategy such that BetMGM customers will become M life Members to earn and enjoy Tier status, recognition and rewards based on their sports and iGaming wagers. Likewise, existing M life Rewards members will now have a new way to earn Tier Credits and status based on sports and iGaming wagers placed with BetMGM. This integration is expected to drive new customer acquisition, omni-channel activity, as well as ongoing customer loyalty and engagement for BetMGM.

In addition, the Company has exclusive partnerships with Yahoo Sports and Buffalo Wild Wings. Upon the imminent return of sports, the Company is looking forward to launching BetMGM to Yahoo’s 64 million monthly active users, including one of the largest fantasy sports player bases in the US.

3. Product and technology:

BetMGM has exclusive access to GVC’s proven, highly flexible, and highly scalable in-house technology platform, which gives it world-class infrastructure, tools and content in both iGaming and sports betting.

Access to proprietary and vertically integrated technology is a key strategic advantage in delivering a leading sports and gaming proposition to customers. Core benefits include speed of development, reducing time to market on innovative new features, platform stability and flexibility, and ease of use. The technology platform has been fully optimized ahead of the return of US sports, with the Company enjoying support from a team of over 2,000 IT specialists, including a dedicated team servicing the BetMGM product.

The Company also benefits from the maturity and rich features of GVC’s sports product, including an immersive in-play betting experience across an exhaustive range of sports as well as a range of industry leading bet management features such as Bet Rewards, Odds Boosts, Build-A-Bet, Edit-My-Bet and Auto Cash Out features. Combined with state-of-the-art engagement capabilities, best-in-class frictionless customer experience, as well as powerful omni-channel journeys and cross sell capabilities this gives BetMGM significant technological and experiential advantages. Internally developed, exclusive iGaming content has been key to BetMGM’s success in New Jersey. The current strength of product and technology, combined with the pace of improvement and innovation, strongly supports the Company’s leadership ambitions.

4. People:

In addition to being able to draw on the outstanding talent within both MGM Resorts and GVC, the Company has built an industry-leading team across a range of functions, including marketing, technology, product development, and customer engagement and retention.

The team has been hand-picked and combines deep industry experience from around the globe with US specialists in areas where local expertise is vital such as VIP, product UI/UX and customer research.

The US-based trading leadership team has a track-record of building trading operations and winning market share from incumbent players in the sports betting market. The approach and techniques further support the Company’s growth agenda.

“Sports betting and iGaming are fundamental to what MGM Resorts does best,” said Bill Hornbuckle, Acting CEO & President of MGM Resorts. “Our investment in ROAR is a demonstration of our continued excitement about the unique benefit of offering unforgettable, premier entertainment experiences to millions of our loyal guests directly through BetMGM. We believe this competitive advantage places BetMGM at the forefront of the most dynamic growth opportunity in all of US gaming and will ultimately deliver meaningful long-term value for our shareholders.”

“These are exciting times for BetMGM, as it continues to expand its iGaming business while also offering customers an outstanding sports betting experience as live sports returns to the US,” said Kenny Alexander, CEO of GVC. “We see enormous potential for the US market and are delighted to have such a strong foothold in it through our partnership with MGM Resorts. Our stake in BetMGM is, by some distance, the most important and exciting investment that GVC has ever made. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the Company has the funding and technical resources needed to achieve long-term market leadership, whilst delivering significant value for shareholders.”

SOURCE MGM Resorts International

American gambling industry

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 3-9

Published

9 hours ago

November 11, 2025

Niji Narayan

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-november-3-9

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (Snuneymuxw), and Great Canadian Entertainment announced that they have entered into definitive agreements for the purchase by PDG from Great Canadian Entertainment of two casino businesses, River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge. Upon closing and subject to regulatory and other approvals, PDG is expected to become one of the largest casino operators by revenue in British Columbia, and anticipates being the largest Canadian Indigenous owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada, cementing Snuneymuxw as a leading force in the province’s gaming industry. Building on PDG’s recent acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria earlier this year, these transactions demonstrate the strength of the collaboration between PDG and Great Canadian Entertainment and the momentum of PDG’s growing gaming platform.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has announced the promotion of Michael Meagher to Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations, effective November 3, 2025. Meagher succeeds Maureen Adams, whose retirement was announced earlier this year. He will oversee operations at all gaming and HRM locations throughout the CDI portfolio, along with corporate gaming functions, including analytics, marketing and product performance. Meagher will report directly to Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI. Meagher has served as Vice President of Gaming Operations since 2022, where he oversaw nine gaming properties across CDI’s portfolio, including the development and successful grand opening of Terre Haute Casino Resort. In this role, he was instrumental in driving operational performance, enhancing guest experiences and supporting the Company’s continued growth in regional gaming markets.

Partnerships

Zoomd Technologies Ltd has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with E2-Quadrat communications GMBH (E2), a global leader in digital marketing and technology solutions for the sports and betting industry. With over two decades of experience in the industry, E2 has established itself as a trusted partner to some of the most prominent names in the sector. The privately owned company operates a broad international network of offices enabling it to serve clients on a truly global scale. This partnership is expected to enable E2’s current and future clients worldwide to benefit from Zoomd’s advanced user acquisition (UA) technologies and performance marketing expertise and aligns with Zoomd’s strategic focus on expanding its impact across high-growth verticals.

MyPrize, the fastest growing social gaming business in the US, has announced a strategic partnership with Crypto.com | Derivatives North America (CDNA), a CFTC-registered exchange and clearinghouse and an affiliate of Crypto.com, to launch MyPrize Markets, a first of its kind product allowing users to access social gaming and prediction markets for the first time in one unified platform. As Crypto.com’s first social gaming partner, MyPrize will leverage the company’s enterprise-grade infrastructure to deliver an engaging and intuitive prediction market experience to its massive global user base, now numbering over 1 million+. This strategic partnership continues MyPrize’s explosive growth in 2025 and further cements its market position as the leading social gaming and entertainment platform.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 3-9 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

American gambling industry

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 27-November 2

Published

1 week ago

November 4, 2025

Niji Narayan

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-october-27-november-2

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Latest News

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced the addition of the Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling and the Vermont Council on Gaming and Health as its newest state Affiliate members, joining a growing community of organisations dedicated to advancing prevention, education, treatment and recovery for those impacted by problem gambling. While NCPG advocates for problem gambling programmes, policies and funding at the national level, its state affiliates focus efforts closer to home – connecting individuals and families with local resources, community partners and culturally relevant support. With these new additions, NCPG now has Affiliates in 37 states.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken further enforcement action against unlicensed gambling operators, issuing cease-and-desist letters to eight online casinos found to be illegally offering internet gaming to Michigan residents. The letters were recently sent to Aussie Play, CryptoGames, FortuneJack, Hugewin Casino, My Stake Casino, Play at Harry’s Casino, RuneChat and Slots Garden. Michigan’s regulated internet gaming and sports betting markets are reserved exclusively for operators licensed and monitored by the MGCB. Any site that offers gambling without state authorisation violates multiple statutes, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.

Great Canadian Entertainment announced that 10 of its casinos from coast to coast have successfully achieved RG Check reaccreditation, one of the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous responsible gambling accreditation programmes. RG Check is governed by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), an independent non-profit organisation recognised internationally for advancing responsible gambling standards. The programme evaluates gaming facilities on a broad set of best-practice criteria, including player safeguards, staff training, self-exclusion options, advertising standards and continuous improvement practices.

Partnerships

CT Interactive is expanding its presence in Peru with a new content launch on Te Apuesto, offering players a curated selection of top-quality games proven successful in other regulated markets. As part of the launch, Te Apuesto will offer exclusive access to Duck of Luck Buy Bonus from CT Interactive’s popular Buy Bonus series. The game features an innovative one-level Buy Bonus mechanic, delivering more strategic gameplay and greater player control. Another exclusive title, Lucky Clover 10, features vintage-inspired graphics and a strong mathematical model, delivering a smooth, engaging gameplay experience. In addition the exclusive titles, Te Apuesto players will also enjoy a variety of new games, including Enchanted Woods, The Shining Globe, Hyper Cuber, The Wild Rhino and Kyoto Magic.

Betsson Group has announced a new partnership with the Peruvian Volleyball Federation (FPV), becoming the Official Sponsor and Naming Partner of Peru’s premier women’s volleyball competition, now officially called the Betsson Peruvian Volleyball League. The 2025/2026 season of the Betsson Peruvian Volleyball League will take place from 25 October 2025 to 3 May 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Peruvian volleyball. This partnership aims to elevate the visibility, professionalism and competitive standards of the sport, strengthening its presence both nationally and internationally. During an official press conference, FPV President Gino Vegas highlighted the key developments of the organisation of the tournament and expressed his enthusiasm for Betsson’s involvement as the league’s new main partner.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 27-November 2 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

American gambling industry

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 29-October 5

Published

1 month ago

October 7, 2025

Niji Narayan

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-september-29-october-5

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Latest News

Jackpot Digital Inc. has announced that it has been granted a Manufacturer and Distributor License by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This approval authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply gaming equipment to licensed casino operators throughout Mississippi. This marks the Company’s second state-level manufacturer’s license in the US. Additional licensing applications are currently pending in other jurisdictions as part of the Company’s ongoing growth strategy. Mississippi is one of the nation’s premier destination gaming markets, generating over $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2023. The state’s Gulf Coast and Biloxi regions are particularly well known for their vibrant casino tourism and established gaming brands.

iDEA (iDevelopment and Economic Association), the leading trade association representing the U.S. online gaming industry, launched the definitive online destination for all things online gambling: ideagrowth.org. The new website provides the media, and U.S. legislators and regulators, a comprehensive resource for data-driven research, policy insights, and responsible gaming resources. The new website provides the industry’s most vital statistics and research — from consumer protections to economic development — in an engaging, accessible format designed for maximum impact.

CT Interactive has further strengthened its international presence by expanding its certified game portfolio on the regulated Peruvian market with 20 new titles. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming content tailored specifically to regional markets. The newly certified portfolio features titles from CT Interactive’s popular Buy Bonus product line, including fan favorites such as Duck of Luck, Fruits & Sweets, Doctor Winstein, and Nanook the White Ghost. These enhanced editions deliver dynamic gameplay with one- or three-level Buy Bonus options, giving players new tools for diverse strategies and greater control over the game’s pace and excitement. A highlight of the newly certified titles is the launch of Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the acclaimed Clover-themed series.

Partnerships

CT Interactive has entered a new phase of its Latin American growth by launching its complete portfolio of games on Rushbet in Mexico and Peru. This collaboration with Rush Street Interactive—one of the region’s leading online casino and sportsbook operators—marks a significant step in the company’s international expansion. Players on Rushbet now have access to proven favorites like Lucky Clover, 40 Treasures, Win Storm and Big Chilli, along with the engaging Hot Luck three-level jackpot, designed to enhance player excitement and retention. This partnership underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to long-term collaboration and delivering tailored gaming solutions across diverse Latin American markets.

Hard Rock International has announced its 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign in partnership with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ahead of this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a global entertainment and hospitality brand guided by the principle “All is One,” Hard Rock is leveraging every touchpoint to support the cause throughout October, from a limited-edition retail collection to special menu items and events. A portion of proceeds from PINKTOBER sales each year are donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, to support breast cancer awareness and research worldwide. The program has raised over $13 million for breast cancer research since its inception.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 29-October 5 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.