Breaking: MGM Resorts and Playtech launch Las Vegas live dealer casino offering

The MGM Live games, which include single and double-zero roulette and baccarat, will be available to operators in regulated markets outside of the US, Playtech said.

Speaking to iGaming Business, Playtech COO Shimon Akad said Mexico and the UK will be the initial target markets for MGM Live. Rollouts in additional regulated markets will follow.

“We will review the feasibility of offering this in the US over time and in line with igaming regulation,” Akad explained.

“The Las Vegas experience has always been the most unique gaming experience in our industry. [Customers in regulated markets] will experience the authentic sounds and visuals of Vegas and, in the future, experience immersive entertainment experiences,” Akad said.

Live dealer product will provide “unparalleled experiences”

The content, celebrity talent and sophisticated gaming experience will be unmatched in the industry, according to MGM Resorts chief executive Bill Hornbuckle.

“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,” Hornbuckle said.

Playtech CEO Mor Weizer added he was thrilled to partner a “a world-renowned gaming and entertainment brand” in MGM Resorts.

“This collaboration amplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences and expands our global reach to our customers,” he said.

“This alliance combines the strength of MGM Resorts’ global prestige with Playtech’s extensive international market knowledge and innovative games.”

Playtech’s plans to expand MGM Live

There are plans to broaden the portfolio with exclusive access to a variety of Playtech games, branded TV game shows, celebrity-hosted trivia shows and other one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences in Las Vegas. 

“If you think of the Vegas attraction and picture one of the world’s most popular game shows, infused with the allure and the charisma of celebrity hosts, that’s what we are creating for the players,” Akad said, noting this was currently in development.

The COO said Playtech was honoured to have been selected as MGM Resort’s technology partner.

“[We] share a common vision to develop and deliver innovative and state-of-the-art entertainment products and experiences in the digital and igaming spaces,” he added.

MGM Resorts realises lofty omnichannel ambitions

In December 2023 MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle told iGB the operator was seeking to create a full omnichannel ecosystem in Europe and further afield.

This followed the $604m acquisition of LeoVegas. In the wake of that deal it launched BetMGM in the UK, targeting growth in markets where it doesn’t yet have a land-based presence.

“Through BetMGM, both domestically and ultimately through what we do with LeoVegas – whether that’s in Europe, Canada or South America – we want to diversify into digital. We think it’s a meaningful way to continue to reach customers 365 days a year,” Hornbuckle said at the time.  

He hinted at plans to tie online and brick-and-mortar gaming opportunities together. Games studio Push Gaming, acquired following the LeoVegas takeover, helps these plans.  

“The idea that we could create our own games is really important, both to feed our digital assets, but [also] our brick-and-mortar assets and then ultimately to tie them all together,” Hornbuckle said.