PlayMGM Sports Betting App Launched In New Jersey

New Jersey residents have gained a second option for mobile sports betting. On Wednesday, PlayMGM announced it has soft-launched its mobile sports betting app for Android users only. The company says an iPhone-friendly app is set to be launched “imminently.”

This makes PlayMGM the second mobile betting site to go live in New Jersey following the launch of DraftKings Sportsbook at the first of the month. PlayMGM did not specify a full launch date, but the DraftKings soft launch lasted about five days before going open to the general public following approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).

The NJDGE has also updated its website to add PlayMGM to the list of licensed online sports betting sites.

Customers 21 and older can now bet on sports from anywhere in New Jersey through the PlayMGM Android app. Current and former customers of the online casino do not need to register again with PlayMGM sports; a single account works for both.

MGM Resorts International owns the Borgata in Atlantic City and opened PlayMGM last year under the online gaming license held by the Borgata. The Borgata was also an early mover in retail sports betting as one of just two casinos that were ready to go on day one.

Android users can sign up today to begin placing real money sports bets, but iOS and desktop users will have to wait a bit longer.

An early look at the PlayMGM sports betting app shows a thorough list of major professional and college sports including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, motor racing, tennis, soccer, golf, boxing and mixed martial arts. The PlayMGM app also supports a wide range of bet types such as money lines, point spreads, propositions, futures and more.

In-play betting was not available on day one, but PlayMGM Sportsbook will almost certainly launch that in due time to compete with DraftKings. PlayMGM’s software partner (GVC Holdings) operates numerous online sportsbooks in other parts of the world with extensive in-play betting options.

According to the Associated Press, the first wager placed on the PlayMGM Sports app was a $50 wager on the Philadelphia Eagles to win their season opener.

PlayMGM Sports Partnered with GVC Holdings

It’s no surprise to see MGM and GVC have teamed up on New Jersey’s latest online sportsbook. Just last month, MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings announced they would each contribute an initial $100 million in a joint venture to target the US sports betting market.

As we noted at the time, GVC Holdings and MGM Resorts International make a strong team. GVC Holdings brings significant online betting experience to the table with well-known international brands such as Bwin, Ladbrokes, Coral, Party Poker and more all operating under the GVC Umbrella.

On the other side of the deal, MGM Resorts International brings access to the partnership. MGM operates casinos across the country and can provide GVC Holdings with a clear path into additional states as they legalize in-person and online sports betting. All states that have legalized online sports betting so far require licensees to either operate a physical casino or team up with one to offer sports betting.

The deal works out favorably for both: GVC Holdings provides MGM with online betting know-how while MGM provides GVC with a pathway to enter the regulated US market. Both companies win and so far the joint venture is off to a quick start.