MGM to Bring Something New to New Jersey Online Poker Scene

May 5th, 2017 | by Jason Reynolds

New Jersey online poker players will have a new place to play later this year after MGM Resorts International announced plans to launch playMGM in the state.

MGM expands its online presence with new platforms in New Jersey and Nevada. (Image: mgmresorts.com)

As it stands, New Jersey is the largest US state when it comes to iGaming and it will get a little bit bigger when MGM extends its current partnership with online gaming company, GVC Holdings PLC. MGM and GVC already have a working relationship in the Garden State through the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

A New Chapter in New Jersey

When MGM bought out Boyd Gaming’s 50 percent stake in the Atlantic City casino in June 2016, it gave the Nevada-based operator a strong footing in the New Jersey iGaming market. With both an online casino and poker room to its name, Borgata typically occupies one of the top three spots on New Jersey’s monthly revenue reports.

Thanks to this continued success, MGM is looking to increase its presence in the state with a new online poker and casino site called playMGM. Although a definite date for the launch hasn’t been announced, Garden State gamers can expect to see 300 casino games as well as tournament poker and cash games on the new site.

At the same time it announced plans to expand into New Jersey, MGM also rolled out a new sports betting app in Nevada. Part of the new playMGM brand, the app has been developed in collaboration with International Game Technology (IGT) and its PlaySpot mobile software.

After undergoing a trial phase and assessment, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has authorized the playMGM app for use within the state. As well as offering those in Nevada the chance to place sports bets via their phone, it will also give them earn M Life Reward points (MGM’s loyalty scheme).

Additionally, the iOS and Android apps will offer unique features such as “trend cloud” technology so that users can see the most active bets in real-time.

More Ways for US Players to Play

Whether or not this technology will be made available to New Jersey customers in the coming months remains to be seen, but it’s clear MGM is bidding to become a major player in the US iGaming scene.

Despite delays in states such as California and New York, further regulation seems inevitable. If and when more states do open up, MGM’s recent innovations suggest it will be one of the first operators to explore any new opportunities.

For now, however, it will look to cement its presence in New Jersey and benefit from an economy that has generated more than $535 million since it went live back in November 2013.