[toc]As the football season is in full swing, Caesars Entertainment is gearing up to compete in the sports betting industry. Despite already owning eight sports books in Las Vegas, the company stands out as the only major entity in the Nevada casino sector without a mobile sports betting application. However, this scenario is set to change soon.
Caesars launching Miomni-powered sports betting app
Last month, rumors emerged suggesting that Caesars was planning to launch a mobile app. These rumors were confirmed by a Caesars representative in a conversation with Legal Sports Report last week.
Indeed, the app’s soft launch began on Tuesday.
Just noticed that @CaesarsEnt has just released their sports betting app. pic.twitter.com/MMctxuzb3b
Rewritten: This was posted by Marc – EDGeVegas (@MeltzVegas) on September 6, 2017.
The final product should be ready before the end of the year.
The app is powered by Mionmi Software, one of the most renowned software providers for betting apps. This company is responsible for powering the apps of most major bookmakers, including:
Atlantis Casino, the only sports book in Reno with an app, also utilizes Miomni. In fact, they were the pioneer sports book to operate using the company’s app technology.
Caesars one of the only apps with a Reno/Tahoe presence
As previously stated, Caesars was among the final few in the sports betting community without an app. Although Caesars’s sports books were not big contenders, it became progressively evident that their survival depended on the launch of an app.
While brick and mortar bookmakers continue to attract high rollers and big bettors with larger stakes, the digital era has shifted most daily betting activities online.
Services like Don Best, which provide up-to-the-minute lines, are making serious bettors increasingly dependent on apps to get a number before it vanishes. The era of in-person line shopping at individual books has ended.
Caesars is entering a saturated market of products. Moreover, the book doesn’t stand out from its competitors due to its lack of exceptional lines or unique action.
Reno is what sets the company apart.
At present, only Atlantis and William Hill have established a sports book in the northern region of Nevada. While the Las Vegas apps are functional throughout the state, the challenge lies in depositing and withdrawing money from the site.
Essentially, all apps necessitate in-person deposits and withdrawals at the physical sports book. Thus, although one can deposit money on some of the larger books in Vegas and place bets from Reno, it is not the most efficient method in terms of liquidity.
Caesars has the opportunity to capture some market share in both Reno and Lake Tahoe, where they are available.
Sports betting apps about planning for the future
Truly, this step taken by Caesars is likely about staying current. There are also potential benefits for the company in the distant future.
Currently, Nevada is the sole state that allows sports betting. Yet, the Supreme Court case involving New Jersey and the major sports leagues is approaching. Should New Jersey emerge victorious, the possibility of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) being repealed increases. This could potentially pave the way for other states to legalize sports betting within their jurisdiction.
Caesars Entertainment is in a stronger position to launch the app nationwide compared to standalone casinos such as South Point or Westgate. However, this is a long-term perspective, as it would first require states to legalize sports betting and subsequently approve mobile betting.
Caesars is staying competitive with other sports bookmakers, just in time for the NFL kickoff.
