The MGM Grand hotel-casino in Las Vegas has unveiled a brand-new live dealer studio.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, MGM plans to launch a new live gaming studio featuring a range of live dealer games tailored for specific international audiences. However, they need approval from regulators first. If everything goes as planned, they hope to start this new venture sometime in the first half of 2025.
”Pending regulatory approval, we are currently working to introduce the next phase of our live dealer product with plans to livestream new gaming experiences from our studio space located on MGM Grand’s casino floor in Las Vegas,” MGM Resorts said in a statement to the Review-Journal. “We will provide updates when more information becomes available.”
The news follows MGM's recent revelation that data suggests concerns about online gambling surpassing traditional casinos may be exaggerated.
Family Feud-Branded Game Also Offered
Adding a unique twist to the studio's offerings, guests can anticipate a special Family Feud-branded game area. However, specifics on how this will be integrated into the overall gaming experience remain under wraps.
BetMGM started offering "Family Feud," along with "The Price is Right," in its online casinos in January.
Visitors to MGM Grand can even catch a glimpse of the action. The dealers in the new studio are visible to patrons, especially those enjoying a meal at the adjacent Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, adding an interactive layer to the dining experience.
Live-Dealer Studio Has Been Part of Strategic Plan For Months
At a press conference last October, Christian Stuart, Senior Vice President and Head of Interactive at MGM Resorts International, shared that the company has been exploring the live dealer market for some time. He mentioned that this sector accounts for approximately 20-30% of operator revenue. MGM Resorts wanted to figure out how they could participate in this space effectively. They decided to focus on Las Vegas, highlighting it as their unique advantage.
Stuart emphasized that Las Vegas is a central part of MGM's operations, with MGM owning a significant number of assets in the city. Traditionally, people had to visit Las Vegas in person to enjoy these properties and experiences.
However, through their partnership with Playtech, MGM Resorts is now bringing the Las Vegas experience to the online world for a global audience. Players will be able to enjoy the excitement and energy of Las Vegas gaming from anywhere.
Shimon Akad, the Chief Commercial Officer of the igaming supplier, explained that the idea behind their project was based on Vegas's global reputation. Las Vegas is widely recognized as the heart of the gambling world, and anyone who loves gambling dreams of visiting there.
He highlighted that Las Vegas is a special city, and their partnership with MGM Resorts allows them to bring a piece of that excitement and unique experience directly into people's homes.
Thanks to this collaboration, Playtech has developed live casino games for MGM's iconic Las Vegas venues, including the Bellagio and MGM Grand, utilizing MGM's well-known assets.
BetMGM Adds to Live-Dealer Presence in Other States
This latest venture builds on last year's successful launch of a dual-cast service by MGM Resorts and Playtech. This service allowed players to bet both in-person and online on live roulette and baccarat tables at Bellagio and MGM Grand. However, access remains limited to international online players.
A similar initiative exists in New Jersey, where BetMGM online casino users can wager at live roulette tables situated within the Borgata hotel-casino in Atlantic City. Borgata Casino and BetMGM Casino are also working together to launch a new slot game called Triple Treasure.
This service is part of a collaborative effort that highlights the growing popularity of live dealer games in jurisdictions like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan where online gambling is more prevalent.
As MGM Resorts continues to innovate and expand its digital footprint, the new MGM Live studio is poised to redefine the live dealer gaming experience on a global scale.
Just remember, if you do decide to play, always gamble responsibly.