MGM Resorts International, the global entertainment and gaming company, confirmed a groundbreaking deal by teaming up with the LSE-listed technology provider for the global gambling industry, Playtech. Announced today, the new activation sees the two leading companies team up to deliver engaging and unique live casino content to online gambling operators across the globe.

The new strategic agreement will deliver live casino content streamed directly from two of MGM Resorts’ iconic properties on the Las Vegas Strip. The content will be branded with “MGM Live” and will feature live casino games streamed from Bellagio Resort & Casino and MGM Grand.

The unique and engaging content will be available for operators in markets outside of the United States. Thanks to the landmark partnership, customers on the other side of the globe will be able to experience the thrill and excitement of the atmosphere of Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world.

The games that will be streamed include baccarat, as well as single and double-zero roulette. The unique content undoubtedly will help iGaming operators across the globe deliver unrivaled entertainment to their customers.

The Two Companies Are Dedicated to Delivering Unrivaled Experiences

Mor Weizer, Playtech’s CEO, revealed that the company is delighted to join forces with MGM Resorts for this important agreement. “This alliance combines the strength of MGM Resorts’ global prestige with Playtech’s extensive international market knowledge and innovative games,” he revealed.

Weizer added that it will be exciting for Playtech to play an important role in delivering unique live casino content to customers in regulated gambling markets across the globe. He said that MGM Resorts and Playtech share a vision for delivering exceptional experiences and safe gambling entertainment.

“The launch of this new and exciting live casino offering, in partnership with Playtech and directly from Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, furthers our strategic vision to be the world’s premier gaming entertainment company.“

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s CEO and president, spoke about the importance of the new agreement with Playtech. He acknowledged that the deal would bring exciting content directly from MGM Grand and Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Hornbuckle said that this agreement complements MGM’s plans to become a premier entertainment and gaming operator on a global scale. “This collaboration amplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences and expands our global reach to our customers,” he added.

Finally, Hornbuckle said the company expects the streamed content to deliver unrivaled experiences within the gambling sector.

In addition to baccarat and roulette, the two companies hinted at the possibility of expanding further their collaboration in the near future. This would likely include the addition of other popular games such as trivia shows, TV game shows and other branded content.

The post MGM Resorts and Playtech to Introduce Live Casino Content appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A former blackjack dealer at MGM National Harbor has been indicted for allegedly working with players to steal more than $43,000 from the casino. The charges were announced on June 6 by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Aisha Braveboy.

Surveillance Uncovers Ex-Dealer’s $43K Conspiracy with Players

Jamie Smith, 31, is accused of conspiring with three players to cheat the casino while she was employed there back in October 2023, reported WTOP News. Surveillance footage showed that Smith let these players see her cards before they made their betting choices and allowed them to change their bets after the cards were dealt and did not collect on losing ones, enabling the thefts.

An internal investigation by MGM triggered by a review of surveillance tapes uncovered the scheme. Approximately $43,250 in losses were incurred by the casino. 

Additionally, this incident also has broader implications, as MGM, along with other Maryland casinos, contributes to the state’s Education Trust Fund, which supports public education.

Maryland’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said economic crimes such as this have far-reaching consequences. She noted that when individuals steal from casinos it takes away funds meant for public schools thereby robbing children of their education opportunities. However, she highlighted that this case is unique during her tenure, as most incidents at the casino typically involve more direct forms of theft or violence.

Ex-Dealer Charged with Embezzlement and Theft, Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison

Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Patterson echoed Braveboy’s sentiments saying this crime was nonetheless serious because it amounted to theft as Smith was entrusted with handling money belonging to the casino while carrying out her duties. 

Smith has been indeed charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement. She faces up to ten years in jail if convicted. The charges reflect not just the theft of funds, but also the breach of trust placed in her as a casino employee. 

MGM National Harbor released a statement following Smith’s indictment saying they have zero tolerance for any illegal activity involving their employees or customers.

The company commended the swift detection and reporting of Smith’s alleged crimes while emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of integrity when dealing with law enforcement agencies during investigations into such matters.In other recent news, law enforcement in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino. The victim, an adult male, was found with gunshot wounds in the casino’s parking garage and died of his injuries at the scene.

The post Former MGM Blackjack Dealer Indicted for Theft Scheme with Players appeared first on Keno Wizard.

On May 5, the lights of MGM National Harbor shone brighter than ever as a local Virginia resident, who has decided not to disclose his/her identity, grabbed a whopping $1.3 million jackpot payout after playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em. The fortunate player got a winning royal flush in diamonds, which helped him/her score the largest payouts ever recorded in the United States for this popular table game.

Virginia Visitor Strikes Diamond Flush Jackpot

The massive win was preceded by a thrilling sequence of events. First, the player, who is not from Maryland but came to play at MGM National Harbor from neighboring Virginia, was dealt a Queen and a King of diamonds. Those cards ignited a glimmer of hope. As the game progressed, the player felt an even greater tinge of anticipation after he also got the third card, a Jack of diamonds. Then the Ace of diamonds followed on the turn. At the end, the 10 of diamonds completed the flush on the river.

Alex Alvarado, vice president of casino operations at MGM National Harbor, rejoiced in the player’s success, noting: “What an incredible moment for our guest to win this huge jackpot at MGM National Harbor. As an entertainment destination, our mission is to provide a variety of options for guests to have an unforgettable experience — whether at a restaurant, a show, or in the casino. We’re thrilled that a local struck a big payday on one of our many table games that feature progressive jackpots.”

Situated just outside of the city of Washington, D.C., MGM National Harbor is an integrated casino resort offering a variety of amenities and entertainment options. The resort boasts a 23-story hotel with 308 luxury rooms and 135,000 square feet of gaming space. 

Beyond the casino floor, guests can explore an array of retail outlets, rejuvenate their senses at the spa, and indulge their palates at seven distinct dining venues offering culinary delights from around the globe.

From Improbability to Fortune

The seven-figure windfall defied astronomical odds, standing at nearly 31,000-to-1, making it a rare and extraordinary feat in high-stakes poker. The sheer rarity of attaining a royal flush in 7-card Texas Hold ‘Em underscores the magnitude of this achievement, with statistical probabilities standing at a mere 0.0032%.

This astronomic win will serve as a glimmer of hope for all players engaging in games with high progressive jackpots that will now dream of their own short at fortune. For the MGM National Harbor casino, this major win is proof of its allure as a premier destination for both high rollers and casual gamblers alike. The casino’s wide range of amenities do not only offer entertainment but also the enticing prospect of life-changing wins.

The post Local Virginia Resident Strikes $1.3M Jackpot at MGM National Harbor appeared first on Keno Wizard.

MGM Resorts International has promoted from within, appointing Niklas Rytterstrom as the COO and president of the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. The company confirmed the news on Monday and said that Rytterstrom will be involved with the business’s day-to-day and oversee the casino’s strategic expansion and operations.

Bringing in a Seasoned Veteran at the Borgata

Rytterstrom is a seasoned company veteran who first entered the company in 1999 and started out as assistant hotel manager at Bellagio Resort & Casino over on the West Coast in Las Vegas. He has held various roles throughout the company, including general manager of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and he oversaw the MGM Resorts acquisition in 2022, ensuring a smooth transition.

He also served stints as COO at The Mirage, Excalibur and Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, among other positions of power and responsibility. Commenting on his appointment, Rytterstrom added:

I’m honored to be embarking on this new journey at Borgata. This property is an integral part of the Atlantic City community, and I can’t wait to jump in and continue to help drive growth and success throughout not just this amazing city but New Jersey and surrounding regions.

Niklas Rytterstrom, COO and president of the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

He will similarly work on building a strong rapport with employees, elevate the company’s guest service, and strengthen community relations so that the Borgata is seen as an important landmark in the area.

A Warm Welcome for an Important Colleague

The newly appointed executive succeeds Travis Lunn on the job, who is heading back to Las Vegas as COO of the Mandalay Bay and Luxor, as well as MGM properties.

Commenting on this corporate rejuggle, MGM Resorts president of operations Steve Zanella said that the company was very happy to welcome Rytterstrom in this new role as his intimate knowledge of the Atlantic City business and the Borgata would allow him to navigate the business towards new heights.

“Nik’s strong leadership skills and strategic vision will continue to differentiate Borgata in a competitive landscape and enhance its position as a market leader,” Zanella explained. Rytterstrom holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration and was named in the “Top 25 People to Watch in 2024” by Global Gaming Business Magazine.

The post MGM appoints Niklas Rytterstrom as COO of Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Casino gambling, wagering on sports and iGaming activities are prohibited in China. The country has tough laws when it comes to gambling, but an exception is applied to Macau, a popular tourist destination and a special administrative region (SAR) of China.

Although the city offers casino gambling, the crackdown against the activity extended from China with a request for Macau to implement foreigner-only gambling halls. This came in an effort to track their activities and determine what part of the operators’ revenue comes from foreign tourists.

Details regarding the new requirement first emerged a couple of years ago toward the end of 2022. Despite the requirement, separating foreign casino visitors was significantly unpopular and the gambling operators quickly identified this trend along with the need for an effective way to track the activities of foreign visitors.

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ CEO and president, participated in the J.P. Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant and Leisure Management Access Forum, as announced by IAG. During the event on Friday, the executive spoke about the ineffectiveness of the foreigner-only gambling zones, uncovering details regarding an innovative solution the company used to tackle the issue.

Hornbuckle said that with the implementation of the new requirements for foreigner-only visitors, operators faced a challenge as they had to establish private rooms for gamblers from different jurisdictions. This otherwise separated the visitors and turned out to be a significantly unpopular method.

The Chip in Chip Technology Brings Benefits

Addressing the need to track the gambling activities of foreign gamblers in Macau, MGM Resorts implemented a new “chip in chip” program. The company’s CEO and president spoke about the benefits of this technology, outlining that it allows the venue to track every chip and at the same time reduce gaming errors. According to Hornbuckle, the technology also played an important role in the back-end operations, including financing and accounting.

“We put in a ‘chip in chip’ program several years ago where basically every chip is tracked, and the benefit at the time was no errors to the game, you knew exactly where to put your labor, there were a bunch of back-end benefits as well in terms of accounting and financing, and it was meaningful.“

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president at MGM Resorts

Calling the technology a huge advantage, the executive said that tracking the activities of foreign players is easy. At the same time, Hornbuckle said that customers from different jurisdictions are not separated from each other, which contributes to the customer experience. Finally, MGM Resorts’ boss said that the gambling regulator in Macau approves the technology considering its effectiveness.

The post MGM Critiques Macau’s Foreigner-Only Zones, Highlights Solution appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Amid swirling rumors of Bruno Mars accumulating massive gambling debts, MGM Resorts has stepped forward to quash the speculations, asserting that the acclaimed singer-songwriter is not indebted to the casino giant.

MGM Resorts Clarifies Bruno Mars’ Financial Status

Responding to recent claims from media outlet NewsNation, MGM Resorts dismissed reports suggesting that Mars owed up to $50 million in gambling losses. The company, in a statement issued March 18, emphasized its enduring partnership with Mars, labeling any insinuation of financial indebtedness as “completely false.”

MGM Resorts commented to The Las Vegas Review-Journal that they were proud of their relationship with Bruno Mars, emphasizing that his brand of entertainment, from his energetic performances at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the newly opened Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, has a global appeal.

The statement elaborated that the partnership between MGM and Mars is founded on mutual respect. It asserted that any speculation suggesting otherwise is unfounded, reiterating that Mars does not owe any debt to MGM. 

The rumors, originating from an unnamed source cited by NewsNation, alleged that Mars was using earnings from his performances to offset substantial gambling losses. The source purported that Mars earns around $90 million annually from his residency deals with MGM, but after tax deductions, his net earnings amount to roughly $1.5 million per show.

Contrary to these claims, MGM Resorts firmly denies Mars’ indebtedness, emphasizing that his collaboration with the company spans multiple ventures, including his ongoing residency at Park MGM and the recent partnership on the Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio.

Bruno Mars’ Influence Remains Strong Amidst Casino Speculations in Las Vegas

Mars, whose affinity for the casino tables has been previously noted, has not publicly addressed the recent rumors. However, past interviews have showcased his candidness about gambling experiences, highlighting the lessons learned from occasional losses.

The Grammy-winning artist has been a fixture in the Las Vegas entertainment scene since 2016, captivating audiences with his chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence. His enduring partnership with MGM Resorts underscores his significant contribution to the city’s vibrant entertainment landscape.

As mentioned above Bruno Mars recently launched The Pinky Ring at Bellagio Resort & Casino. The new venture debuted with an exclusive party and performance, attended by celebrities like Lady Gaga and T-Pain, featuring surprise acts from Janelle Monáe and others.

The venue, curated by Bruno himself, promises an immersive experience in timeless glamour and remarkable artistry, with The Hooligans as the resident house band for the initial weeks.As MGM Resorts and Bruno Mars continue to collaborate on innovative ventures, the casino giant reaffirms its commitment to providing unparalleled entertainment experiences for its patrons, dispelling any notions of financial discord with the celebrated performer.

The post MGM Resorts Dispels Bruno Mars Gambling Debt Rumors appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Marriott Bonvoy has officially opened its doors to MGM Resorts, allowing its members to earn and redeem points at 16 select properties across Las Vegas and beyond. This partnership, initiated in July 2023 and now fully operational, marks a significant shift for travelers and loyalty program enthusiasts alike.

MGM Resorts Shift to Marriott Bonvoy Unlocks Riches for Vegas Travelers

Previously aligned with World of Hyatt, MGM Resorts’ transition to Marriott Bonvoy offers a plethora of new opportunities for Bonvoy members, particularly those frequenting the vibrant Las Vegas Strip. 

The integration of MGM’s portfolio into Marriott’s ecosystem considerably expands the options for travelers, especially in a city where Marriott offerings were previously limited to just a handful of properties, such as The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Among the notable properties now available for redemption are iconic names like ARIA Resort & Casino, Bellagio Resort & Casino, and the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, alongside other renowned establishments like Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Additionally, members can relish in various perks tailored for elite status holders, allowing for a seamless and rewarding experience during their stays.

However, while the partnership promises exciting prospects, there are nuances to consider. One such aspect is the dynamic pricing model employed by Marriott Bonvoy, where redemption costs can fluctuate based on factors such as demand and seasonality. Despite starting as low as 5,000 points per night, the potential for resort fees adds an additional layer to the redemption calculus, especially for those without Ambassador Elite status, which waives these fees.

How to Choose Between Cash and Points in Marriott Bonvoy’s MGM Collaboration

Comparisons between cash rates and point redemptions become essential, particularly when factoring in resort fees and potential elite status benefits. While the convenience of using points for bookings is undeniable, especially with the added incentive of the fifth-night free offer, the financial trade-offs necessitate careful consideration.

Moreover, the partnership extends beyond mere hotel stays, offering members exclusive access to curated experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. From orchestrating the famed Bellagio Fountain Show to indulging in the ultimate golf weekend at Shadow Creek, these opportunities further enrich the travel experience for Marriott loyalists.

For those aiming to bolster their points balance or attain elite status, Marriott Bonvoy’s suite of co-branded credit cards presents a compelling avenue. With offerings like automatic elite status and generous sign-up bonuses, these cards serve as invaluable tools for maximizing rewards potential.

The post MGM Resorts Joins Marriott Bonvoy, Unlocking New Rewards appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Casino and hospitality giant MGM Resorts is giving up on its plans for a Dubai casino, at least for now. Despite that, the company is bullish on seeing its resort megaproject through, with or without a casino.

For reference, MGM’s plan for The Island is to construct a three-hotel complex, combining an Aria, an MGM and a Bellagio hotel into a huge 1,400-room property. The company has been working on this for several years now, although progress has been slow. It wasn’t until November 2023 that local project developer Wasl issued a $1.2 billion contract to China to build the resort.

The Island will cost some $2.5 billion to construct and will become a premier hospitality destination.

Dubai Did Not Legalize Gaming as MGM Had Hoped

The reason why MGM Resorts is giving up on its casino project, at least for now, is the United Arab Emirates’ cultural opposition to gambling as a whole. While many believe that at least some emirates will eventually mellow down and permit some forms of real-money games, Dubai remains reluctant to greenlight casino gaming.

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s president and chief executive officer, had teased in 2023 that there are some possibilities of gaming getting legalized in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. As a result, he said that The Island will have 200,000 square feet of space set aside for a luxurious casino. In another conference call, he suggested that MGM might operate as many as four casinos in the Emirates in the near future.

However, Hornbuckle’s prediction did not come true and Dubai did not permit gaming. Despite that, the CEO is still optimistic about The Island’s future.

Obviously, we have Dubai. We have our project there, which is an amazing project. It’s going to be over a $2.5 billion project without a casino in it.

Bill Hornbuckle, president & CEO, MGM Resorts

The future of gaming in the UAE remains murky but MGM Resorts is likely to try Abu Dhabi next. The company has been eyeing Yas Island for a while, considering a potential property there.

While Hornbuckle believes that Abu Dhabi or Dubai would be the first to allow gaming, competitor Wynn Resorts has placed its bets behind Ras Al Khaimah.

The post MGM Resorts Gives Up on Dubai Casino Plans, at Least for Now appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Recently, MGM Resorts’ chief executive officer, Bill Hornbuckle, was asked about any change of heart following the company’s latest public statement on the acquisition bid topic. His answer led to a 4% drop in Entain’s shares.

Last fall, it was speculated that MGM Resorts would possibly make a new acquisition bid for global gaming giant Entain following the decrease in the latter’s share price in 2023 along with the ousting of now former chief executive officer Jette Nygaard-Andersen at the end of the year. 

The S&P 500 global gaming and entertainment company that features national and international locations initially said no to an acquisition bid in 2021 that gave the business an enterprise value of £8.1 billion ($10.17 billion).

That amount currently stands for an important premium on the company’s market cap of £6 billion ($7.53 billion).

“It’s About Product, Product, Product, and Focus”

The CEO replied that their main focus would be on product in the upcoming months, leaving large-scale mergers and acquisitions to the side.

Hornbuckle explained that, while attending the ICE event in London last week, he met with Stella, their partner, and talked over the importance of making sure “everyone’s focus is on BetMGM.”

He emphasized that 2024 will be a critical year for everyone, ”So, it’s about product, product, product, and focus.” His comments immediately caused Entain’s share price to fall close to 4% down to £9.22 ($11.58) prior to slightly recovering to £9.84 ($12.53).

2024, an “Investment Year” for BetMGM

In December 2023, BetMGM’s chief executive officer, Adam Greenblatt, spoke during an investor presentation, calling 2024 an “investment year” as the joint venture was trying to regain the market share that it had lost while improving its product.

Hornbuckle agreed that 2024 would be “a reinvestment year,” emphasizing the need and desire to get their product “in a better and different shape” and adding they would like additional parlays. 

“Obviously,” he continued, “the acquisition of Angstrom by our partner will be a big add to that. We’ll be able to stick out more product. We’ll have more confidence in it.”

The CEO explained that their focus will fall on baseball in the next months, with expectations to hit soccer in 2025 while putting many of their product differentiators to use in the meantime.

For the spring, Hornbuckle also discussed their plan to have a single wallet in play. As for when they will begin to make some cash, 2025 seems to be on the horizon. 

The post Entain Shares Drop 4% After MGM Excludes Takeover Bid appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Over the last decade, the popularity of loyalty programs offered by casino and entertainment operators has grown exponentially. It’s no surprise that leading operators on the Las Vegas Strip have identified the potential of loyalty programs and launched their own versions, offering benefits for their return and loyal clients. MGM Resorts International, the globally recognizable gaming and entertainment company, currently offers MGM Rewards, a loyalty program that allows its members to earn points and exchange them for different perks and incentives.

Last year in July, MGM unveiled details regarding a new extraordinary experience its members will benefit from in collaboration with Marriott International. Labeled as the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, the collaboration is expected to deliver world-class benefits and incentives for guests of the two leading brands. Ahead of the debut of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, expected “by early 2024,” MGM released details regarding the exceptional experiences for its guests.

According to the company, a number of resorts would be “headlining the MGM Collection.” MGM said that “four properties will also add their distinctive personalities to Marriott Bonvoy’s brand portfolio,” with the list including four leading casino and casino locations in Las Vegas. Those are the Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, ARIA Resort and Casino, as well as Park MGM Las Vegas.

MGM Rewards Members to Be Eligible for Marriott Bonvoy Status

Besides the resorts that will be headlining the MGM Collection, the company released details regarding the potential conversion of MGM Rewards members eligible for status with Marriot Bonvoy. The leading gaming and entertainment company revealed that its MGM Rewards Gold members will be able to enroll with Marriot Bonvoy, becoming Marriot Bonvoy Silver Elite. On the other hand, MGM Rewards Platinum members will qualify for a Marriot Bonvoy Gold Elite status while MGM Rewards NOIR members would be eligible for Marriot Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status.

“Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards will unlock significant benefits and experiences for members of both programs,“

reads a statement released by MGM Resorts International

MGM explained that thanks to Marriot Bonvoy and MGM Rewards, members of the two programs will be able to access thrilling experiences and benefits. The recent details come in anticipation of the launch of the collaboration between the two globally recognizable brands.

The post Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Unveil Benefits for Members Program appeared first on Keno Wizard.