[toc]One of the largest land-based casino companies in the world is taking major steps into online gambling. Just days removed from announcing a new real-money online casino in New Jersey, MGM officially launched its mobile playMGM-branded sports betting app in Nevada.
After a lengthy field trial, playMGM is the latest official competitor in the increasingly lucrative mobile wagering market.
App features include custom parlays and digital deposits
It is obviously difficult to stand out in the saturated sports betting app market. However, playMGM’s product does include a couple of unique features:
- Digital deposits and withdrawals. Instead of going to a casino every time they need to deposit or withdraw, the app allows users to sign up for a prepaid card within the app itself.
- Customizable parlays. Users can create their own parlay or teaser bets through the app using real-time pricing.
- Trend cloud. The home screen for the app auto-populates with betting options catered to the users interests. This easy access can save time in an industry where seconds make the difference between whether or not you get a bet.
Lovell Walker, MGM Resorts International executive director of interactive gaming development, explains what went into developing the product:
“We worked closely with IGT throughout the development process to appropriately leverage PlaySpot technology, ensuring that the app delivers an unrivaled guest experience. M life Rewards members can enjoy sports wagering opportunities in Nevada from the pool, their hotel rooms or if they are a Nevada resident, from the comfort of their home.”
playMGM app expands MGM’s large online presence
MGM partnered with IGT to create the playMGM betting app in 2015. The product launched into field trial a year ago. MGM is a bit behind the rest of the Nevada mobile sports betting competition. The first betting apps came on the market in 2011. Now, nearly every major sports book offers one.
Where MGM does stand out from competition is in its varied online offerings. In addition to the sports betting app, the casino also offers real money mobile casino tournaments in Vegas through its EasyPlay app. The company’s brick and mortar M life rewards program also allows players to accrue points on the myVEGAS social app.
With the official sports betting app launch and the new playMGM-branded real money online casino and poker in New Jersey, the company now offers mobile versions of basically every kind of casino offering.
Mobile betting continues to be key to sports betting industry
Just one look at the latest Super Bowl shows you how popular, and profitable, sports betting is as an industry. Over the past five years, Nevada sports books saw a 40 percent uptick in activity. Just this year, the Super Bowl generated $138.5 million in wagers, compared to $98.9 million in 2013.
Last year, numerous sports book directors, including South Point’s Jimmy Vacarro spoke to the Las Vegas Review-Journal about the promise of mobile wagering.
“You are seeing a majority of locals betting on phone apps, and they come to your casino to watch the games. You see them drinking Coronas all day,” Vaccaro said. “There is more access to everything, and I think the mobile app is the catalyst.”
The other directors echoed the sentiment. They also confirmed the action of serious bettors is now happening on apps. After all, in a field where finding the best number is key, the quick access mobile apps offer is becoming essential to a bettor’s success.
Photo by Roy Boyce / Shutterstock.com
