BetMGM

PlayIA.com: Iowa sportsbooks set per-day betting record during $144 million February

Published

3 years ago

March 8, 2021

Iowa sportsbooks took in nearly $144 million in bets in February and took in more bets per day than in the state’s history, even as the state’s month-over-month handle fell from January’s surge. The bottom line is that the Hawkeye State’s sportsbooks continue to reap significant benefits of no in-person registration requirements, according to analysts for PlayIA, which tracks regulated online and retail gaming in the state.

“Iowa remains perhaps the most compelling case study yet on the effects of in-person registration requirements,” said Jessica Welman, an analyst for PlayIA.com. “February is a short month with only one NFL game to bet on, the Super Bowl, so the relatively flat month-over-month results can be misleading on the surface. But another strong showing still places Iowa in a class of states that are either larger or have far more mature gaming markets. And that would not be possible under the old requirements.”

Online and retail sportsbooks generated $143.6 million in wagers in February, according to official data released Friday. That is down 3.9% from the record $149.5 million handle in January. But betting per day in the 28 days of the month was a record $5.1 million, which was up from the $4.8 million per day bet in the 31 days of January.

February’s handle pushed Iowa’s lifetime handle to $1.1 billion, surpassing an eye-catching milestone.

The biggest reason for the two-month surge is the removal of in-person registration requirements in January. In fact, FanDuel reported new customer registrations multiplied by nearly a factor of seven from December to January, a direct result of the easing of registration requirements. And DraftKings said that by Jan. 5, it had registered more customers via mobile registration than through all of 2020.

Net receipts for sportsbooks did fall 32% month over month, to $7.7 million in February from $11.3 million in January. The month’s revenue still yielded $520,444 in state taxes.

As immediate and significant an effect as the removal of in-person registration requirements has been, it is not the sole reason the state’s sportsbooks remained busy in February. The Super Bowl brought in $16.2 million in wagers, most of which came in February. Bookmakers also benefited from robust interest in men’s college basketball, particularly No. 5 Iowa and Drake, which sits just outside the Top 25.

“When local teams enjoy strong seasons, as both Iowa and Drake are, interest in betting on their games goes up. We see that in every regulated sports betting market in the U.S.,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for PlayIA.com. “With March Madness on the horizon, more growth almost certainly lies ahead. And sportsbooks should get an even bigger boost if Iowa or Drake can manage a prolonged run in the NCAA Tournament.”

For the month, online sports betting accounted for $143.6 million, or 87.2%, of the state’s overall handle. That brings it closer in line with markets with more mature online sports betting and no on-site registration requirements. In those states, about 90% of all bets are made online.

The surge in online sports betting continues to heat up the race for market share among operators. Iowa’s first online operator in August 2019, William Hill — which partners in Iowa with Prairie Meadows, Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Isle of Capri Bettendorf, Lakeside, and Harrah’s Council Bluffs — retook the online market lead with $45.2 million in online wagers in February. That netted a market-leading $2 million in receipts.

The Wild Rose license, which is anchored by DraftKings but includes BetRivers, took in $38.9 million in online wagers and $1.5 million net receipts. FanDuel, the nation’s largest sportsbook brand, helped put Diamond Jo in third place with $28.4 million in online bets, up from $26.9 million in January. Diamond Jo’s license, which includes BetMGM, netted $1.5 million on those bets.

Still emerging from COVID-related restrictions, retail betting generated $18.4 million, down from $28.8 million. Ameristar topped the retail market with $4.5 million in wagers, just ahead of Diamond Jo Worth’s $4.2 million.

William Hill and its partners lead across all betting platforms, with a combined retail and online handle of $50 million, or 34.8% of the state’s handle. In a U.S. market dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings, Iowa and Nevada are the only two states in which William Hill is the market leader.

“William Hill is still proving that early entry into a market is critically important,” Welman said. “But DraftKings and FanDuel are investing heavily in Iowa, and with their brand recognition, they are seeing a rapid return on that investment. We’ll see how long William Hill is able to hold them off.”

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Iowa, visit PlayIA.com/news.

BetMGM

BetMGM and PlayAGS Launch Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey in Michigan

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

betmgm-and-playags-launch-rakin’-bacon-odyssey-in-michigan

BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, and PlayAGS Inc. announced the omnichannel launch of Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey in Michigan. The slot game is exclusively available in Michigan on BetMGM and Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey slot machines are now at MGM Grand Detroit in Michigan.

“Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey is a fantastic example of BetMGM’s omnichannel advantage. We are incredibly proud to be the exclusive online home of the newest version of this popular game in Michigan which has proven to be the top state for iGaming,” Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content at BetMGM, said.

Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey is the newest iteration of Rakin’ Bacon, a slot that players have gone hog wild for since PlayAGS released the game in 2018. In Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey, Cornsquealius, the iconic golden pig, goes to ancient Greece for new adventures. The 3×5 reel slot expands to 6×5 during the bonus feature and includes 7776 ways to win. Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey has four jackpots that can be won online on BetMGM or at MGM Grand Detroit.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey in Michigan with BetMGM, a pivotal expansion for our iconic ‘golden pig’. This launch underscores AGS’s unique position as a premier provider spearheading the omnichannel experience. Our commitment to seamless, cross-platform gameplay sets us apart in the industry, allowing us to offer extraordinary gaming experiences that bridge the gap between land-based and online venues. By partnering with BetMGM, we’re not just following industry trends—we’re creating them and setting the gold standard in omnichannel innovation. This initiative represents a major leap forward in connecting with players in innovative ways and demonstrates our leadership in transforming the gaming landscape,” Zoe Ebling, Vice President of Interactive at AGS, said.

Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey continues BetMGM’s mission of leveraging its omnichannel advantage and connecting online and land-based casino play. In February 2023, MGM Resorts International and BetMGM debuted MGM Riches, the companies’ first custom slot experience that can be played both online via BetMGM and as a traditional slot game at MGM Resorts properties throughout the US. BetMGM and Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa launched Dual Play Roulette on BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino in New Jersey in August 2023. Dual Play Roulette, from Evolution Gaming allows players at the physical Roulette table in the casino and online players to participate in the same game.

BetMGM’s online casino is home to over 2700 titles across North American markets and one of the largest state-by-state exclusive jackpot network. In 2023, BetMGM was named Casino Operator of the Year by SBC North America, EGR North America, Global Gaming Awards, and American Gambling Awards.

Adam Greenblatt

BetMGM Sponsors Progressive Jackpot During Wheel of Fortune’s “Big Money Week”

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

betmgm-sponsors-progressive-jackpot-during-wheel-of-fortune’s-“big-money-week”

BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, will celebrate Wheel of Fortune’s 8000th episode during the legendary game show’s “Big Money Week” scheduled to air May 20-24. For the first time in the history of the wildly successful syndicated game show, there will be a Nightly Progressive Jackpot sponsored by BetMGM that will be added to whatever a contestant wins if they solve the show’s Bonus Puzzle.

During game play, there will also be a BetMGM-branded “Double Jackpot” wedge on the famous Wheel giving contestants who earn the opportunity to add double the Nightly Progressive Jackpot to their total if they win the Bonus Round.

“BetMGM is honored to join Wheel of Fortune during this milestone week and be a part of a game show that has earned a place in American television history. ‘Big Money Week’ is a great collaboration, giving contestants and viewers at home the opportunity to experience the excitement of a progressive jackpot,” said BetMGM’s CEO Adam Greenblatt.

Sony Pictures Television and BetMGM have come together to integrate BetMGM branding into Wheel of Fortune’s “Big Money Week” featuring on-set placements including:

Co-branded graphics displayed in the center monitor
In-show displays of BetMGM’s logo on host Pat Sajak’s monitor
Two BetMGM Double Jackpot Wheel wedges
A BetMGM jackpot ticker appearing above the puzzle board during each episode.

1X2 Network

1X2 Network boosts US roll-out with BetMGM deal

Published

1 week ago

May 14, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

1x2-network-boosts-us-roll-out-with-betmgm-deal

In-demand game developer adds tier-one operator to its growing roster of partners in North America

1X2 Network, the award-winning content provider, continues to take the North American market by storm following a major deal with BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator.

The direct integration with BetMGM means the operator’s players now have access to a huge selection of slot and crash titles from across the 1X2 Network game studio portfolio. This includes player favourite titles including Wolf Strike, Eagle Strike and 1 Million Megaways BC from Iron Dog Studio, Reel Diamonds from 1X2gaming, and the Prospector Wilds series from Prospect Gaming.

These slots combine great themes, striking design, booming sound and compelling gameplay that promises to put players on the edge of their seats with each spin.

But that’s just the start. BetMGM players can also strap into the cutting-edge crash game Crashout Maverick. This flagship game from 1X2 Network’s arcade division AD LUNAM, has hit the mark with players around the world, delivering action-packed gameplay, and near instantaneous response times.

The 1X2 portfolio of games is available at BetMGM in Michigan initially, following closely by Ontario, with further markets available across North America (pending regulatory approval) in the coming year.

Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “We have ambitious plans for the North American market and what better way to build further momentum here than by partnering with one of the most prestigious operators, BetMGM.

“Our games are proving to be hugely popular with players in the US thanks to the great themes, bold design and gripping gameplay built into each title. This includes Crashout Maverick, which has quickly become one of the top crash games in the market.

“This is a significant deal for 1X2 Network and really does mark our arrival as a leading content provider in the fast-growing market.”

Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content, BetMGM. “The partnership with 1X2 Network is a testament to our commitment to offer the broadest and best content to our players. We look forward to seeing them fire up the reels on big action slots such as Wolf Strike and enjoying the thrills and spills of Crashout Maverick”.