BetMGM is now the eleventh operator to launch its sportsbook app in the fast-growing Pennsylvania online sports betting market. A test was carried out on December 17, but the launch is on Friday, December 18.
BetMGM is not new to the online gambling space as it is operational in seven other US states. However, it is new to the Pennsylvania online sports betting market, which is growing at a rapid rate. The state finished October with a record handle of $528.8 million. It saw a reduction in November, closing with a $491.9 million betting handle. However, with the introduction of industry heavyweights – BetMGM, we are sure to see an increase in December handle even as they are coming into the market late in the month.
The approval for BetMGM’s operation in the state was agreed upon on Wednesday. As per the request of the state, BetMGM had to go into partnership with Hollywood Casino Morgantown, which is still under construction. It is a requirement for online sportsbooks to operate through a land-based casino. BetMGM, not having a retail property in the state decided to go into a partnership with the Hollywood Casino. It debuted its online sportsbook at the facility on December 4 but will launch its sports app on the 18th.
MGM’s Continued Expansion
The operator seeks to be one of the leading sportsbooks in the country and is slowly achieving its objectives. This entry into the Pennsylvania market will see the sportsbook operational in eight US states, offering the full menu of online casino, poker, and sports betting. In the coming months, we would see a BetMGM poker room as part of its Pennsylvania offerings. As of Dec. 18, only the sports app will launch. The list of US states BetMGM is operational in are
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- Colorado
- West Virginia
- Michigan
BetMGM’s Registration Bonus
Players can access the sportsbook via the web, and by downloading its mobile apps through the Android and iOS stores. By registering and signing up, you can take advantage of the 100% deposit bonus up to $500 being offered. This promotion will help the sportsbook stay competitive as several other sportsbooks which are operational in the state also offer these type of bonuses.
There are other offers available like:
- Money-back offers and free bets
- Parlay boosts
- free-to-enter contests
- “Lion’s boost” (and more bet boosts)
It could be said the BetMGM is late to the party as other big operators are already gaining ground in the state. However, we would see BetMGM challenge DraftKings and FanDuel to secure the top spot in the Pennsylvania sports betting market. The list of other ten bookies BetMGM will be joining are:
- Barstool Sports
- SugarHouse
- BetRivers
- Parx
- William Hill
- BetAmerica
- FOX Bet
- Unibet
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
FanDuel is the operator to beat as it more than doubled DraftKings’ October handle.
Pennsylvania could easily become one of the more lucrative betting markets for BetMGM. Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal wagering ban in May 2018, the state has recorded over $4 billion in wagers, behind New Jersey and Nevada.
BetMGM is closing the year on a good note as they could also become functional in Michigan. The Michigan board is speeding up the process to launch online gaming by the end of this year, at the latest, the beginning of 2021. BetMGM already has a retail sportsbook at its Detroit casino and is awaiting the launch.
