Global gaming powerhouse BetMGM unveiled the launch of a new slot game that fans in Michigan will be able to try out. The new title is called Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey and was launched in partnership with PlayAGS.

The multichannel game will be exclusively available to retail and online players in the Great Lake State. The slot can be accessed by both BetMGM’s online players and visitors of the MGM Grand Detroit property.

Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey is designed to exemplify the advantages offered by BetMGM’s omnichannel strategy. The game is the latest iteration of the fan-favorite Rakin’ Bacon game that was released by PlayAGS in 2018.

Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey will see the return of Cornsquealius, the series’ iconic golden pig. The game is a 3×5 slot that can expand to 6×5 during the bonus feature. More importantly, the game features a whopping 7,776 ways to win and sports four jackpots that can be won online on BetMGM or at the MGM Grand Detroit casino.

The new game will enhance BetMGM’s library of games, which currently features over 2,700 titles. It will also bolster the fan experience at MGM’s Detroit property, allowing players to enjoy the game on dedicated terminals.

The launch aligns with BetMGM’s strategy to leverage its omnichannel advantage to connect online and land-based casino play.

BetMGM Continues Its Omnichannel Strategy

Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM’s vice president, said that his team is excited to be able to exclusively offer Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey.

Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey is a fantastic example of BetMGM’s omnichannel advantage. We are incredibly proud to be the exclusive online home of the newest version of this popular game in Michigan which has proven to be the top state for iGaming.

Oliver Bartlett, VP, BetMGM

Zoe Ebling, AGS’ vice president of interactive, was likewise excited about the launch and the continued partnership with BetMGM. Ebling described the new game as a “pivotal expansion” for the “iconic golden pig.”

This launch underscores AGS’s unique position as a premier provider spearheading the omnichannel experience. Our commitment to seamless, cross-platform gameplay sets us apart in the industry, allowing us to offer extraordinary gaming experiences that bridge the gap between land-based and online venues.

Zoe Ebling, VP of interactive, AGS

Ebling added that the partnership with BetMGM is not merely about following trends but about setting them.

This is not BetMGM’s first omnichannel experience. In February 2023, the digital brand and MGM Resorts International debuted MGM Riches, which represented the brands’ foray into the multi-channel sector. BetMGM and Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, on the other hand, launched Dual Play Roulette on BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino in August 2023.

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There have been several moves that indicate that Comstock Holding Companies Inc. is gearing up to do just that with the media outlet citing evidence that the company has hired six lobbyists who should help argue its case when the Virginia General Assembly session commences on January 10, 2024.

Communicating Readiness to Build a Project If and When

However, this is not the only strategic move exacted by the developer, which is also said to have donated over $500,000 to various political candidates in a bid to secure legislative goodwill and push its case for the construction of a new casino.

The move comes at a time when the fight over who will get to build a casino in Fairfax County is intensifying and there has been sustained interest in the development of one, with Comstock Holding Companies Inc. not lacking any motivation to continue despite the challenges.

All lobbyists will focus exclusively on defending Comstock’s interests during the upcoming session. The Patch noted that Comstock had donated $244,500 to the Building a Remarkable Virginia Political Action Committee.

The media also specified that 14 Comstock employees had donated $29,525 to Del. Wren Williams’s political campaign, with the lawmaker introducing a bill that would have allowed the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to propose a casino referendum on a future ballot. Williams though had been working on a bill prior to the donations it seems.

Comstock is a Fairfax County developer with supposedly well-established connections in the area and is also keen to continue securing work.

Donations and a Long Process That Ultimately Lies with Voters

Another donation was made to Dave Marsden who was also working on a bill seeking to bring a casino project to reality. Altogether, none of these donations raises any red flags, but they indicate that Comstock is very much willing and keen to see a bill that allows it to build in the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station area or around it.

Ultimately, however, the decision would most likely lie with voters as the bills, as they are outlined, are ultimately only going to give the public a right to determine if they want a casino. Comstock has already outlined its plans for a casino in Reston and has indeed presented detailed plans in September 2023, but a final push is still to come – both on the legislative front and then at the ballots.

Comstock’s donations may be trying to steer the ship in a direction that aligns with the company’s business interests, but it will ultimately be a decision made by Fairfax County residents whether a casino property will be arriving any time soon. Plans to open casinos are already underway in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, with further plans discussed in Norfolk and Richmond.

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FanDuel will highlight the importance of safer gambling through a series of initiatives, the company announced. The leading NA operator will also donate money to the National Council on Problem Gambling and other organizations to further support a healthier gambling ecosystem.

As announced, FanDuel will donate $100,000 to the NCPG, supporting its Agility Grants program. The program provides funding to nonprofits across the USA, helping them prevent problem gambling in regions without dedicated safer gambling services.

Keith Whyte, executive director of the NCPG, praised FanDuel’s commitment.

FanDuel’s commitment to supporting a spectrum of services from problem gambling prevention to responsible gambling education is a reflection of their dedication to building a safe and sustainable gambling ecosystem.

Keith Whyte, exec director, NCPG

FanDuel will also expand its support of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, funding problem gambling research in the United States. The ICBG hopes to better understand addictive tendencies in order to be able to better tackle them. Arthur Paikowsky, the center’s president, welcomed FanDuel’s backing.

FanDuel will also continue to work with various professional sports leagues, such as the NBA and the PGA Tour.

In addition to supporting various organizations, FanDuel will also leverage its ambassadors to promote responsible gambling. Craig Carton, one of the company’s RG ambassadors, is currently on a “Responsible Gaming College Tour.” Carton visits college campuses across the northeast, educating young adults on how to avoid gambling harm and will produce exclusive video material on the topic.

Seven-division boxing champion Amanda Serrano, another Fanduel RG ambassador, will share video content on her social media. Serrano and Carton will encourage customers to pick FanDuel because of its Play Well tools, which allow players to regulate their own behavior.

During Problem Gambling Awareness Month, it’s even more important to remind those who choose to wager of the tools and resources available to them to help stay in control of the way they play.

Amanda Serrano, RG ambassador, FanDuel

FanDuel’s Play Well suite includes a variety of tools. By using them, players can set deposit limits, wager limits, maximum wager size limits and time limits. In addition, players can use the Time Out option to take a break from betting.

Howe Promised FanDuel Will Remain Responsible

FanDuel’s chief executive officer, Amy Howe, addressed the new initiatives.

This March marks the 20th anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and we will once again use this as a moment to demonstrate how FanDuel aims to set the standard for what it means to be a responsible operator.

Amy Howe, CEO, FanDuel

Howe concluded that the collaborations with partners and ambassadors will help FanDuel continue to spread awareness and encourage players to play safely.

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