MGM Resorts to Launch an Online Casino in New Jersey in 2017

The Las Vegas-based mega casino operator made an announcement that it has sealed a partnership with a global sports betting and online gaming provider, GVC Holdings PLC, to launch an online casino and poker site in the state under the playMGM brand.

playMGM NJ plans to be the newest online casino in New Jersey, making its first-ever splash into real money online gaming this year.

The online casino and poker platform is scheduled to be launched later this year. More than 300 casino games and a variety of poker tournaments will be offered on both mobile and desktop. 

“This is a historic moment for MGM Resorts to be launching real money online casino and poker under the MGM brand for the first time,” said Corey Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts.

The new NJ online casino will operate under the license of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which is wholly owned by MGM. Two other online casinos in New Jersey already share this license holder: nj.parypoker.com and BorgataCasino.com.

With the move, MGM hopes to return the Borgata to its leading position in the online gaming market.

Since online gambling in New Jersey was first legalized in 2013, Borgata had been the dominant player in the space. It was only in September 2016 that the Borgata’s total gaming revenue was surpassed by Golden Nugget NJ Online Casino. Prior to that, its total gaming win bested the competition for 33 consecutive months. Since then it has slipped to second or third place.

playMGM will likely use their online casino in New Jersey as a foray into other U.S. jurisdictions as they legalize and regualte online gambling in the coming years.

With its base in the Isle of Man and hold of licenses in 18 countries, GVC offers business-to-business and business-to-consumer online gaming technology solutions. In February 2016, it acquired bwin.party, a partner in BorgataCasino.com.

Bwin.party has been a partner in the casino’s online offerings since 2013 and already provides software and technical support services to the Borgata.