BetMGM Receives Approval to Manage MGM’s Las Vegas Retail Sportsbooks

BetMGM, a partnership between MGM Resorts International and European gaming company Entain, has recently been granted key employee status by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which will allow it to take command of MGM’s retail operations in Las Vegas.

Under New Management

BetMGM will now take full control of one of its parent company’s, MGM Resorts International, racebook and sportsbook functions. It has been a slow process for BetMGM to gain all the necessary licenses, but the critical designation the company recently received, key employee status, allowed the management change to occur.

BetMGM attorney Scott Scherer said the mobile gaming joint venture will take over daily management and executive roles, but the ultimate authority will remain within the C-suite at MGM Resorts International.

“The expectation is that BetMGM will have certain high-level functions, including trading, customer service, risk and fraud, marketing, and payments. As the employer, MGM will be responsible for oversight and policy direction. (…) BetMGM will have its own chain of command, but when issues arise, they’ll be resolved by the designated MGM Resorts executive,” Scherer stated.

No Need for a Bet

BetMGM will house its operations and central command center at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and will be responsible for the MGM Resorts’ nine retail sportsbooks at properties located throughout Las Vegas. MGM’s current sportsbook staff, consisting of 70 full-time and 30 part-time employees, will transition to the BetMGM headquarters, with their compensation remaining intact. The only change will be the party signing their paychecks.

There is already synergy between BetMGM and MGM Resorts’ sportsbook operations and staff. Therefore, integrating the BetMGM system with the current MGM protocols will not be difficult, but nevertheless, there will be challenges along the way. With that in mind, the integration is expected to occur at the beginning of the MLB season but well in time for the highly lucrative NFL season.

“The biggest thing is how they integrate the systems and make it a seamless experience for the customer,” said Scherer.

Commitment to Responsible Gambling

MGM Resorts International also issued a press release regarding its many responsible gambling initiatives during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The company has renewed its commitment to Kindbridge Behavioral Health and donated $180,000 for the research of how sports betting impacts various populations and the development of responsible gaming programs.

“As a global gaming and hospitality leader, we are always looking to support innovative and actionable research that can make a positive impact,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts. “As our company continues to grow both domestically and internationally, these studies will allow us to support our industry and enhance the sustainability of communities in which we operate.”

The company is also expanding its outreach with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to online players in every jurisdiction in which BetMGM operates by providing direct access to Kindbridge’s mental health services for those dealing with gambling addiction and related issues.

Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer, BetMGM, said, “Responsible gaming is a focal point of our operations, and we will continue to invest in programs that promote player protection and well-being. Expanding our partnership with Kindbridge ensures that essential support services are always within reach for those who need it.”