Las Vegas Iconic Properties to Host New Live Games
MGM Resorts International has entered into a strategic partnership with Playtech, a leading software provider in the gaming industry, to launch an innovative live casino experience. This collaboration will allow players from various international locations to engage with live dealer games streamed directly from the renowned MGM Grand and Bellagio properties in Las Vegas.
Initial Market Rollout and Future Expansion
The new MGM Live games will include popular options such as single and double-zero roulette as well as baccarat. As stated by Playtech, these offerings will initially target regulated markets outside of the United States, with Mexico and the United Kingdom being the first markets to experience this unique gaming feature.
Playtech Chief Operating Officer Shimon Akad explained that discussions are underway regarding the feasibility of introducing this initiative in the U.S. market, which will be approached gradually in accordance with upcoming regulations in the iGaming space.
Authentic Las Vegas Experience
During an interview with iGaming Business, Akad emphasized the distinctive qualities of the Las Vegas gaming experience, describing it as ‘the most unique’ in the industry. Players in international markets will be treated to the authentic sounds and visuals synonymous with Las Vegas, with plans to incorporate immersive entertainment experiences in future developments.
A Unique Gaming Offering
The collaboration between MGM Resorts and Playtech aims to bring an unparalleled online gaming experience to players worldwide. MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle highlighted the company’s dedication to providing an exceptional gaming atmosphere, emphasizing that the combination of MGM’s prestige and Playtech’s interactive technology will set a new industry standard.
‘We’re excited about this partnership because it allows us to further our strategic vision of becoming the world’s premier gaming entertainment company,’ Hornbuckle stated.
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer also expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with MGM Resorts, describing the partnership as a significant step in enhancing Playtech’s global outreach and commitment to delivering extraordinary gaming experiences.
Future Developments and Game Offerings
The MGM Live platform is set to feature an expansive range of unique gaming products and entertainment options. According to Akad, there are plans for exclusive access to various Playtech games, celebrity-hosted trivia shows, and branded TV game shows. He offered a tantalizing glimpse of the upcoming offerings, stating, ‘If you think of the Vegas attraction and picture one of the world’s most popular game shows infused with the allure and the charisma of celebrity hosts, that’s what we are creating for players.’
MGM’s Omnichannel Strategy
This partnership also aligns with MGM Resorts’ broader ambition to create a cohesive omnichannel gaming ecosystem. Following its recent acquisition of LeoVegas for $604 million, MGM plans to enhance its digital presence through initiatives like BetMGM in the UK, which targets growth in markets absent of MGM’s physical locations.
As Hornbuckle has articulated in previous statements, diversifying into digital platforms is a critical component of MGM’s strategy to engage with customers year-round. ‘We want to diversify into digital. We think it’s a meaningful way to continue to reach customers 365 days a year,’ he stated.
The acquisition of gaming studio Push Gaming, which is expected to bolster MGM’s digital gaming capabilities, emphasizes this strategy. According to Hornbuckle, creating proprietary games is essential for feeding both digital and physical gaming assets, ultimately allowing for a seamless connection between the two environments.
Conclusion
As MGM Resorts and Playtech prepare for the launch of MGM Live, the partnership represents a significant advancement in the online gaming landscape. By blending traditional Las Vegas gaming with innovative digital technology, the two companies are poised to deliver an unmatched gaming experience that could reshape the future of live casino offerings in regulated markets around the globe.
