BetMGM's integration with MGM Resorts' M life Rewards program allows Borgata Casino customers in Pennsylvania to redeem their gameplay for world-class accommodations at iconic MGM Resorts. At Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, guests can enjoy luxurious hotel accommodations, an expansive selection of casino & poker games, world class restaurants from Iron Chefs Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, and Michael Schulson, thrilling entertainment and nightlife, an award-winning spa and more.

BetMGM online casino officially arrived in Pennsylvania on Dec. 4 after successfully completing a three-day test launch.

It is Pennsylvania’s 13th iGaming option in a market that started in July 2019.

For Keystone State interactive entrances, BetMGM made quite a splash. Initial offerings include a robust library (by PA starting-out standards) of online slots and table games.

BetMGM’s way to PA

In a late October Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board meeting, BetMGM received approval for two operator licenses, one for interactive gaming and one for sports wagering. To use the sports wagering operator license, it had to partner with an in-state casino. BetMGM partnered with Hollywood Casino, owned by Penn National.

In a press release on Friday announcing BetMGM’s arrival, CEO Adam Greenblatt commented:

“We’re thrilled to bring BetMGM’s online casino offering to Pennsylvania. With more than 140 different games, including our own in-house progressive jackpot network, we’re delivering the widest range of content currently available in the state. Alongside MGM Resorts and its M life Rewards program, BetMGM will provide players with a truly unique entertainment experience.”

BetMGM online casino in PA

BetMGM is available for download on iOS and Android and via desktop.

BetMGM’s PA online casino features:

• 120 slot titles
• Seven jackpot slots (MGM Grand Millions, Loot’ Em Khamun & The Dead Sea Scrolls, Melon Madness Deluxe, Book of Myths, Loot’ Em Khamun, Mercy of the Gods, Divine Fortune)
• Two types of blackjack
• Eight types of roulette
• Baccarat
• Jacks or Better, Video King Poker, Let It Ride

Promotions at Bet MGM

To welcome new users, BetMGM is offering $25 in free play and a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. It is also having a “party” to celebrate its arrival.

For the PA Launch Party Sweepstakes promotion, you can earn entries for every $20 wagered on slots or table games. At the end of the first week on Dec. 7, the winner gets a luxury pickup truck valued at $32,750. The winner gets drawn on Dec. 8.

Other promotions:

• Gonzo’s Quest Bet & Get
• Winter Wonderland Thursdays

M life Rewards

BetMGM’s online casino is integrated with MGM Resorts’ M life Rewards program. Here’s how to sign up and start earning tier credits:

• Go to mgmresorts.com/mlife.
• Click the sign-in button. Then a drop-down menu will appear — select “activate your account.”
• Enter your information, then click on “Activate M Life Rewards Account.”
• Keep an eye out for an email confirmation code and link to the confirmation page. Once confirmed, you can sign in using your verified credentials.

There are five M life Reward Tiers. Rewards can be used at MGM resort properties nationwide, including the Borgata in Atlantic City. M life Rewards members can earn tier credits by playing online at BetMGM and for casino play at any MGM Resorts property.

BetMGM sportsbook and poker on its way?

In Pennsylvania, usually the sportsbook comes before the casino. However, that hasn’t been the case with Live! Philadelphia and BetMGM.

On Nov. 24, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced a partnership with sports betting and iGaming operator BetMGM. The news did not include a date for an online sportsbook launch, although the partnership, and speculation, hinted that would be soon.

ESPN staff writer David Purdum interviewed Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts, during this week’s SBC’s Betting on Sports America – Digital. Hornbuckle offered insight about the gambling industry, leagues’ relationship with stakeholders, in-play betting and more.

Here is what he said about the number of sportsbook operators:

“It’s a dogfight. I view this much like the telecom industry. There is going to be four to five real winners and [a] bunch of everybody else. There has been some massive spend. DraftKings is spending $50 million a month. We are targeting the markets we are in. It’s going to take strong hearts and deep wallets. For now, it’s about capture. We are all aggressively going at it with vigor.”

Since November 2019, PokerStars has been Pennsylvania’s lone online poker operator. But others are about to join the party, like BetMGM Poker PA.

BetMGM LLC operates Partypoker in New Jersey, and there have been rumors for months about its impending arrival in PA.

PA online casinos’ record revenue

In October, iGaming operators posted a record $59.8 million in revenue. It represents an astronomical growth from the previous October, when iGaming 2019 revenue was about $5 million.

Will New Jersey’s top online casino have similar success across state lines? As the most important skin on Borgata’s license, BetMGM in NJ is the highest-earning individual casino in the state.

Timeline of online casino launches in PA:

BetMGM and responsible gaming

GVC Holdings, an international gaming operator that works with BetMGM, is the first official PlayPause partner. PlayPause is a sophisticated gambling exclusion tool.

It allows players to self-impose restrictions that will extend to every state in which an operator is active. PlayPause’s adaptive technology allows users to customize restrictions, track and limit betting habits, and self-exclude according to their particular needs.

Mgm Online Casino Pennsylvania

Lead image credit: AP Photo/Vincent Yu