BetMGM is formally assuming control as the operator of MGM Resorts International's racebook and sportsbook activities at its physical casinos throughout the US. 

Essentially, what is happening is that BetMGM will turn into a “key employee” for MGM’s sportsbooks and will assume some significant responsibilities at those locations. BetMGM is a 5050 partnership formed between the casino giant and Entain Plc.

"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 be responsible for oversight and policy direction,” said BetMGM attorney Scott Scherer to CDC Gaming.

In connection with its control over MGM racebooks and sportsbooks, BetMGM will implement the house rules established by the different gaming properties. 

Newest in the Series of BetMGM Actions 

BetMGM has called 2024 “a year of investment,” and the announcement that it is taking charge of MGM’s physical sportsbooks is the latest development in a series of recent actions by the iGaming and sports betting operator. 

Earlier this month, BetMGM revealed the appointment of Casey Hurbis as chief marketing officer. He formerly had the same position at Rocket Mortgage and possesses over twenty years of experience in the automotive sector. 

“Hurbis and BetMGM’s creative agency of record, Highdive, previously collaborated on three top-ranked Super Bowl campaigns at Rocket Mortgage, laying the foundation for even greater synergies and success at BetMGM,” according to a press release.

Last month, BetMGM simplified its digital rewards program, allowing bettors to see their earned loyalty points in one wallet instead of navigating through different state-specific wallets. 

In August, BetMGM announced that the digital wallets utilized by bettors became transferable across state borders. Clients who create a BetMGM account in Las Vegas can now access the same account in other states where the operator provides iGaming and sports betting services. The company is the pioneer in the gaming industry to utilize that synergy. 

Additional BetMGM Insights 

The connections between BetMGM and MGM have been clear for some time, and several of the casino operator’s physical sportsbooks already feature BetMGM branding, suggesting that the transition to BetMGM managing those locations was more a question of “when” rather than “if.” 

Long-standing rumors have circulated about MGM's desire to take control of the entire iGaming/sports betting division, and this speculation intensified earlier this year as activist investors sought changes at Entain. CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen mentioned that joint ventures are not permanent, yet MGM has not made any public announcement regarding an intention to purchase Entain's share in BetMGM, nor has the UK-based firm indicated it’s looking to sell that stake. 

In terms of daily operations at MGM sportsbooks, BetMGM is in charge, but if major issues arise, decisions on managing those circumstances will be made by an executive at each casino, who will be an MGM employee rather than a BetMGM one.