Las Vegas, NV – MGM Resorts International has officially announced a partnership with Playtech, a leading technology company in the gaming and entertainment industry, to launch a groundbreaking live casino offering. This collaboration will enable live gaming experiences to be streamed directly from MGM’s iconic properties: the MGM Grand and Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Features of the MGM Live Casino
The new platform, branded as MGM Live, will showcase a selection of classic casino games, including both single and double-zero roulette and baccarat. According to Playtech, these offerings will initially be available to operators in regulated markets outside of the United States, with Mexico and the United Kingdom being the first target markets for rollout. As stated by Playtech’s Chief Operating Officer, Shimon Akad, there are plans to evaluate the potential for expanding the offering into the U.S. market in accordance with evolving igaming regulations.
“The Las Vegas experience has always been the most unique gaming experience in our industry,” Akad remarked. He emphasized that customers in the targeted regulated markets will benefit from an authentic Las Vegas ambiance, complete with immersive entertainment experiences.
Unparalleled Casino Experience
The MGM Live casino will seek to deliver what both MGM Resorts and Playtech describe as an “unparalleled” gaming experience. Bill Hornbuckle, the CEO of MGM Resorts, expressed confidence that the collaboration would harness the international prestige of MGM alongside Playtech’s expertise in interactive gaming. “The launch of this new and exciting live casino offering furthers our strategic vision to be the world’s premier gaming entertainment company,” Hornbuckle noted.
Playtech’s CEO, Mor Weizer, echoed these sentiments, expressing his excitement over partnering with MGM Resorts, a “world-renowned gaming and entertainment brand.” He remarked that this collaboration not only expands Playtech’s global reach but also reinforces their commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences to customers worldwide.
Plans for Future Expansion
MGM Live is set to evolve beyond traditional casino games, with Playtech planning to enhance the portfolio by including exclusive access to a variety of innovative Playtech games. Future offerings will also encompass branded TV game shows and celebrity-hosted trivia events, which promise to deliver a distinctively engaging entertainment experience directly from Las Vegas.
“As we think about the allure of Las Vegas combined with some of the world’s most popular game shows, infused with the charisma of celebrity hosts, that’s the experience we are aiming to create for players,” Akad explained, highlighting the exciting developments currently under consideration.
MGM Resorts’ Omnichannel Ambitions
The partnership with Playtech is a key step in MGM Resorts’ broader strategy to establish a fully integrated omnichannel ecosystem. Following its acquisition of LeoVegas for $604 million, MGM has been focused on expanding its digital footprint in markets lacking a land-based presence, including Europe and South America.
Through its BetMGM platform, the company aims to foster customer engagement year-round, with Hornbuckle emphasizing the significance of diversifying into digital. “We want to diversify into digital to engage customers 365 days a year,” he stated, hinting at plans to seamlessly tie online gaming opportunities with their physical casino operations.
Moreover, MGM has acquired games studio Push Gaming as part of this strategy, with Hornbuckle noting, “The idea that we could create our own games is really important, both to feed our digital assets and our brick-and-mortar assets.” He believes this development will facilitate stronger connections between the two platforms.
As MGM Resorts continues to push the boundaries of gaming experiences, the partnership with Playtech marks a significant milestone towards redefining the future of live casino gaming and digital entertainment on a global scale.