When it comes to online gaming operations in the United States, top operators continue to cut new deals with major companies in order to provide the best content to players. The latest example of such deals involves MGM Resorts International and AGS, a slots developer based in Las Vegas. The agreement between the two companies covers the online casino brands of MGM in all operating US states. The AGS distribution platform will be integrated within partypoker, Borgata Online and BetMGM brands, with games starting to launch soon.
New Partnership Deal
Matt Sunderland, the Vice President of Gaming for BetMGM, commented on the new partnership, stating the brand is thrilled to add the games of AGS to their online casino and are confident that the content will be a hit with players.
AGS started as a physical manufacturer of games, with a focus on US Class II tribal casinos. The company then branched out to offer online casino gaming content. Their current portfolio has a little over 100 slot games right now.
Online casinos in New Jersey already offer games by AGS that are quite popular. The MGM brands will be using such titles as Olympus Strikes and Jade Wins within their online gaming sites.
Expanding into the Online Sector
For AGS, the move into the online sector was needed. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, land-based gaming has struggled, especially due to venue closures. The manufacturer was also affected by the closure and low traffic today.
For Class II venues, they are smaller than larger scale casinos. This makes it hard for such venues to be able to reopen in a safe manner. Gaming stocks for some companies have seen recovery over the past few months, but AGS has only stalled and has a lower trade value due to the market issues.
To ramp up efforts, the company decided to accelerate their online business. The content of the company was already at sites in New Jersey when 2020 began and by May, they had signed deals with Rush Street Interactive and the Kindred Group. This brought AGS games to the market in Pennsylvania. The client list of AGS now includes several major brands such as the Golden Nugget, Parx, Caesars and Unibet.
BetMGM Moving Forward
For the BetMGM brand, they are getting ready to launch in Pennsylvania and Michigan’s online gaming market. The brand is steadily moving forward to be offering games in each US state where the option is legalized.
In Pennsylvania, the brand is listed as a qualified gaming entity. The parent company MGM does not own a casino property in the state. However, the Golden Nugget was able to claim two licenses that were left for operators. It is expected that the brand will be approved for online operations to start before the year comes to an end.
In Michigan, the launch may be much sooner. The state is expected to allow sites to go live in late November. BetMGM could be part of the first set of operators who launch services in the state.
