[toc]One of the world’s largest terrestrial casino firms is making significant strides into the realm of online gambling. Not long after declaring the establishment of a new online casino in New Jersey for real money gambling, MGM has now formally introduced its mobile sports betting application, branded as playMGM, in Nevada.
Following an extensive field trial, playMGM has emerged as the newest official contender in the progressively profitable mobile betting market.
App features include custom parlays and digital deposits
Standing out in the crowded sports betting app market is evidently challenging. Nonetheless, playMGM’s product incorporates a few distinctive features:
- The app permits users to sign up for a prepaid card within the app itself, facilitating digital deposits and withdrawals. This eliminates the need for users to physically visit a casino every time they want to deposit or withdraw.
- Parlays that can be personalized. Through the app, users have the ability to design their own teaser or parlay bets using real-time pricing.
- Trend cloud. The app’s home screen automatically fills with betting options tailored to the user’s interests. This quick access can be time-saving in an industry where mere seconds can determine if you manage to place a bet or not.
The Executive Director of Interactive Gaming Development at MGM Resorts International, Lovell Walker, elaborates on the process involved in developing the product:
Throughout the development process, we collaborated closely with IGT to effectively utilize PlaySpot technology, ensuring the app offers an unmatched user experience. M life Rewards members in Nevada can take advantage of sports betting opportunities whether they are lounging by the pool, in their hotel rooms or, if they are residents, from the comfort of their own homes.
playMGM app expands MGM’s large online presence
In 2015, MGM collaborated with IGT to develop the playMGM betting app. The product began its field trial a year ago. Compared to other Nevada mobile sports betting competitors, MGM is slightly lagging as the first betting apps were introduced in 2011. Currently, almost all major sports books have their own betting app.
MGM differentiates itself from its competitors through its diverse online services. Not only does it provide a sports betting app, but the casino also hosts real money mobile casino tournaments in Vegas via its EasyPlay app. Furthermore, MGM’s physical M life rewards program enables players to gather points on the myVEGAS social app.
The company has expanded its offerings to include mobile versions of all types of casino games. This follows the launch of the official sports betting app and the new playMGM-branded real money online casino and poker in New Jersey.
Mobile betting continues to be key to sports betting industry
A glimpse at the recent Super Bowl illustrates the popularity and profitability of the sports betting industry. In the last five years, there has been a 40 percent increase in activity at Nevada sports books. This year alone, the Super Bowl racked up $138.5 million in bets, a significant rise from $98.9 million in 2013.
Numerous sports book directors, including Jimmy Vacarro from South Point, discussed the potential of mobile wagering with the Las Vegas Review-Journal last year.
“Most locals are using phone apps to place their bets, and then coming to your casino to watch the games. They’re drinking Coronas all day,” said Vaccaro. “There’s increased access to everything, and I believe the mobile app is driving this trend.”
The sentiment was reiterated by the other directors. They also affirmed that serious bettors are now increasingly using apps. Given that finding the best odds is crucial in betting, the instant accessibility provided by mobile apps is becoming indispensable for bettor’s success.
Image sourced from Shutterstock.com, captured by Roy Boyce.
