MGM Resorts International and Playtech have teamed up to launch an innovative live dealer casino offering that will allow users from regulated markets around the globe to experience the thrill of Las Vegas casinos from the comfort of their own homes. The newly announced MGM Live games, which will feature popular choices such as single and double-zero roulette and baccarat, will initially be available outside the United States but hold promise for a future domestic rollout.
According to Playtech’s Chief Operating Officer, Shimon Akad, Mexico and the United Kingdom are set to be the first markets to enjoy MGM Live. Akad made it clear that additional territories with regulated gaming environments are set to follow. “We will review the feasibility of offering this in the US over time and in line with igaming regulation,” Akad stated, hinting at a potentially wider reach for the casino gaming experience in the future.
Akad elaborated on the unique selling points of the MGM Live experience during an interview with iGaming Business. “The Las Vegas experience has always been the most unique gaming experience in our industry. Customers in regulated markets will experience the authentic sounds and visuals of Vegas and in the future, experience immersive entertainment experiences,” he said. The concept promises to bring the iconic atmosphere of Vegas, including its sights and sounds, directly to the user’s screen.
MGM Resorts’ chief executive, Bill Hornbuckle, has also expressed his excitement about the project. He noted that the collaboration with Playtech, which will be live-streamed directly from the Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is a significant stride toward MGM’s ambition to become the world’s leading gaming entertainment company. “The launch of this new and exciting live casino offering, in partnership with Playtech and directly from Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, furthers our strategic vision to be the world’s premier gaming entertainment company,” Hornbuckle emphasized.
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer joined in on the high spirits, describing the partnership as a monumental step for both companies. “This collaboration amplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences and expands our global reach to our customers,” Weizer affirmed. The synergy between MGM Resorts’ prestigious brand and Playtech’s cutting-edge technology is set to redefine the parameters of online gaming excellence.
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Further amplifying the excitement, there are grand plans to expand the product portfolio. This will include exclusive access to various Playtech games, branded television game shows, celebrity-hosted trivia shows, and other unique entertainment experiences synonymous with Las Vegas. “If you think of the Vegas attraction and picture one of the world’s most popular game shows, infused with the allure and charisma of celebrity hosts, that’s what we are creating for the players,” Akad mentioned, hinting at the types of immersive content currently under development.
The gratitude was mutual as Akad acknowledged the honor of being selected as MGM Resorts’ technology partner. “We share a common vision to develop and deliver innovative and state-of-the-art entertainment products and experiences in the digital and igaming spaces,” he added.
Taking a historical perspective, MGM Resorts has been strategically expanding its footprint in the digital gaming landscape. This expansion is underscored by MGM’s $604 million acquisition of LeoVegas in December 2023. Following this, BetMGM was launched in the UK, positioning it for growth in markets where MGM does not yet have a physical presence. “Through BetMGM, both domestically and ultimately through what we do with LeoVegas – whether that’s in Europe, Canada, or South America – we want to diversify into digital. We think it’s a meaningful way to continue to reach customers 365 days a year,” Hornbuckle elaborated at the time.
Hornbuckle also indicated future plans to seamlessly integrate online and brick-and-mortar gaming experiences. To facilitate this, games studio Push Gaming, acquired as part of the LeoVegas takeover, will play a crucial role. “The idea that we could create our own games is really important, both to feed our digital assets, but also our brick-and-mortar assets and then ultimately to tie them all together,” he explained.
In summary, the partnership between MGM Resorts and Playtech signifies a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of the casino gaming experience. With plans to bring the unparalleled allure of Las Vegas to a global audience through innovative digital channels, players worldwide can look forward to an unmatched blend of traditional casino excitement and cutting-edge interactive entertainment.
