Earlier this week, BetMGM announced the debut of its Borgata Casino application in the state of Pennsylvania. The app was rolled out as a result of the market access partnership of the gambling operator with Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
BetMGM Casino entered Pennsylvania for the first time in December 2020, with its debut now being quickly followed by the official launch of mobile sports betting.
Customers of the Borgata Casino app would be able to reach a vast range of games, including over 150 table games and online slots, as well as progressive jackpot games linked to slot offerings. Borgata Online Casino is available as a downloadable application for both Android and iOS device users, but also has a desktop version for all major browsers.
The Borgata Online app has become the second online casino in the state that is currently run by BetMGM, which operates as a joint venture business of MGM Resorts International and the British gambling giant Entain. The first one, which was released under the brand of BetMGM, was officially launched in December 2020.
The roll-out came as part of BetMGM’s efforts to become a national brand, with Pennsylvania being only the second state where the Borgata Online Casino is launched. So far, it has only existed in New Jersey. Furthermore, the two online casinos are owned by the same company but they have different land-based partners. BetMGM operates through the license held by Penn National, while as mentioned above, the Borgata Online Casino app is run in partnership with Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
Many Similarities Between the Two Casino Platforms of BetMGM Raise Questions
The two online casinos use a common reward program, called MLife, which is also tied to other digital products of BetMGM and properties run by MGM Resorts in Asia and the US.
Furthermore, customers of both online casinos offer MGM Grand Millions, a special progressive jackpot game. The layout and functionality of the two casinos’ websites and applications are very much alike, with very small differences that could make a player prefer one over the other. For the time being, neither one of the two casinos offers cash deposits and withdrawals at the casino game of their partners but this may change in the future.
According to analysts, the approach used by BetMGM to the state of Pennsylvania is a bit strange from a strategic point of view. Experts also say that the choice of Rivers Casino Philadelphia for a partner to provide BetMGM with market access. Having both brands in the gambling market of New Jersey is a step that would make sense, as the Borgata brand is considered particularly valuable for the Atlantic City gambling sector. On the other hand, market analysts find it hard to understand why BetMGM would divide its marketing efforts to promote two brands in the state of Pennsylvania.
