March 25, 2023
The Evolution of BetMGM Sportsbook: How It’s Changing the Game in Online Sports Betting
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In today’s rapidly changing world, industries must adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. One such industry is online sports betting, where constant advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences shape the market. BetMGM has managed to thrive in this competitive environment by continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sports betting. This guide will explore the journey of BetMGM Sportsbook, its unique offerings, and how it has set itself apart through its innovative approach.
Embracing Change in the Sports Betting Industry
As with any industry, there comes a tipping point when a company must either adapt or risk being left behind. For the online sports betting industry, that tipping point has been reached with the rapid rise of mobile technology and the growing demand for personalized and immersive experiences. The online gambling market is expected to reach a staggering $154 billion by 2030, with mobile betting accounting for more than 50%.
BetMGM’s Secret Sauce: Continuous Evolution
Amidst all this growth, BetMGM has managed to separate itself from the competition by embracing continuous evolution. Let’s take a deep dive into the evolution of BetMGM Sportsbook and how it’s changing the game in online sports betting.
Partnership Between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings
In July 2018, MGM Resorts International, a global entertainment company, and GVC Holdings, a leading provider of online gaming services, announced a 50-50 joint venture to create a world-class sports betting and online gaming platform in the United States. This partnership aimed to leverage the brands and resources of both companies to provide a comprehensive and innovative gaming experience for customers.
Launch of BetMGM and its initial offerings
PlayMGM platform
Before the creation of BetMGM, MGM Resorts had already launched PlayMGM as its first online gambling brand. PlayMGM was introduced in New Jersey in 2017, offering both online casino games and sports betting options. PlayMGM marked the beginning of MGM Resorts’ commitment to online gaming and set the foundation for what would become one of the biggest online sportsbooks in the world.
Transition to BetMGM
In September 2019, MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings announced the rebranding of the PlayMGM platform to BetMGM. This move was part of the joint venture’s broader strategy to develop a unified brand for their online casino and sports betting offerings. The transition away from PlayMGM to BetMGM also signaled a refocus on quality and user experience, prioritizing a seamless and intuitive experience for users interested in any form of online gambling.
The rebranding to BetMGM was timed around the launch of a BetMGM mobile app, which furthers their efforts to make gambling easier and more accessible to players. With the backing of MGM Resorts’ brand recognition and GVC Holdings’ technological expertise, BetMGM has been able to establish itself as a major player in the online sports betting industry, expanding throughout the country in just a few years.
Expansion of BetMGM Sportsbook
Geographic Expansion Across the United States
As of March 2023, BetMGM has entered the following 16 states — Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. As more US states begin legalizing online sports betting, you can expect to see BetMGM’s expansion grow.
Partnerships with local casinos and sports teams
To help with its scaling, BetMGM has partnered with several casinos and sports teams throughout those states. For example, BetMGM recently announced a partnership with the Cincinnati Reds to help strengthen its brand and relationships in that market. BetMGM’s CEO, Adam Greenblatt, was quoted as saying “Today’s announcement marks the beginning of our plans to create the most entertaining and dynamic sports betting experiences in Ohio… through our relationships with the Reds and MGM Northfield Park, we look forward to bringing unique BetMGM content to Ohio’s passionate sports fans.”
BetMGM has secured partnerships with other sports brands like the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Pittsburgh Steelers. These relationships give BetMGM immediate access to an engaged audience of sports fans who share similar interests to their sports betting clientele. By partnering with these brands, BetMGM is positioning itself as the premier name in sports betting within that market while also opening the door to incredible opportunities for promoting its brand to those fans.
Mobile App and Website Enhancements
User experience improvements
As we mentioned above, BetMGM has made the user experience one of its main focuses since the rebranding which means a lot of attention to improving its mobile and web interfaces. The company has made significant investments and enhancements to its mobile design to make it more user-friendly and inviting to players. Available on iOS and Android creates a seamless and inclusive experience regardless of device.
In-play betting options
In-play betting is one of BetMGM’s defining value-add to players. This feature allows its users to bet on events that are in progress, offering a full-play betting experience. If you bet on a team to win before the game, you can hedge in real-time to mitigate your loss or find other edges during the game that you can take advantage of. In 2021, in-play betting accounted for roughly 80% of all sports bets placed in Europe, which signals high demand for this feature worldwide.
Innovations in BetMGM Sportsbook Offerings
BetMGM Sportsbook doesn’t stop at geographical expansion and improved tech, it’s always looking for new ways to offer value to its bettors. One of the ways BetMGM does this is through a number of unique and enticing bonuses and promotions.
Unique Promotions and Bonuses
Risk-free Bets
One of the standout promotions offered by BetMGM Sportsbook is the risk-free bet, which allows new users to place their first bet without the fear of losing money. Right now, BetMGM is offering a $1,000 risk-free bet to all first-time depositing players. [CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFER]
A risk-free bet is a great way to attract new players because it incentivizes them to register, deposit, and try-out the BetMGM platform without worrying about losing money. If the bet hits, great! If it doesn’t they get their wager back. But, having tried the platform and seen how easy it was to bet, the hope is that the new player will continue betting regardless of the outcome of the initial bet.
Parlay Boosters
Another promotional feature that BetMGM offers is the “parlay booster” which increases the payout beyond a traditional parlay bet. Parlays are typically hard to hit because it requires the bettor to guess correctly on more than 1 bet, and the parlay booster offers even more value to bettors to place and hit parlays. This promo from BetMGM is another value-add to bettors while also incentivizing bettors to place more risky bets — which hit less often.
Integration of Casino and Poker Platforms
Sports Betting Meets Online Casino
BetMGM has seamlessly integrated its online casino with its poker and sports betting offerings — creating a completely unified gaming experience regardless of what product the gambler chooses to frequent. Players can easily navigate any of the platforms with the click of a button on their mobile device or desktop. Not only are these platforms connected within a single framework, but the money can be transitioned across them all.
Single Bankroll
BetMGM has implemented a single wallet system across its platforms which unifies the player’s bankroll. Whether you’re playing at the casino poker, or wagering on sports, you are doing so within a single user account. This means you don’t need to deposit or withdraw funds from one platform to the next. This efficiency makes playing at BetMGM a no-brainer for gamblers who enjoy variety.
Introduction of Innovative Bet Types
Customizable Prop Bets
BetMGM Sportsbook has introduced customizable prop bets, enabling users to create their own sports bets around events or player props. Bettors who feel confident about a single player or in-game activity can build bets around that knowledge or foresight. This feature allows players to connect more deeply with BetMGM and the sports they care most about.
Live Stream Events
BetMGM also introduced live streaming for sports events directly in its platform to offer users an even more immersive gaming experience. Not only can you watch game sin real-time, bu t you can bet on those games while you’re watching on a single platform. BetMGM is not just aiming to be the leading sportsbook, it wants to offer its users a fully-immersive sports experience with cutting-edge tech and connectivity.
Through its unique promotions, seamless integration of betting platforms, and constant innovations, BetMGM Sportsbook has proven itself to be a trailblazer in the online gambling industry. With its commitment to innovation and user experience, we can expect to see BetMGM continue to push the boundaries of what it means to bet — both on sports and in other areas of gambling.
The Future of Online Sports Betting: A World of Possibilities
As the online sports betting industry continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which companies like BetMGM adapt and innovate. What can we expect to see with further emerging tech like VR and AI? The opportunities are endless.
Moreover, as US states continue pushing to legalize sports betting, the market and competition will grow — pushing additional innovations.
BetMGM’s success is a great example of how one brand has harnessed innovation and user experience to gain market share. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how BetMGM and its competitors shape the future of online sports betting.