Major League Baseball announced that it was making MGM Resorts International its “official gaming partner” last week.
In a press release by the league, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was quoted as saying: “We are pleased to partner with MGM Resorts International, a clear industry leader in the sports gaming area, to work together on bringing innovative experiences to baseball fans and MGM customers. Our partnership with MGM will help us navigate this evolving space responsibly, and we look forward to the fan engagement opportunities ahead.”
MGM will gain access to MLB logos, as well as official data that it will use for its sports betting brands. MGM will have exclusive access to the what the league calls “enhanced statistics” but the live feed itself will not be exclusive.
The chief executive officer of MGM, Jim Curren said that the group was excited to enter into what he termed a “historic” partnership with Major League Baseball. He said that he was thrilled to create a new “one-of-a-kind fan experience for baseball fans”.
Curren added that the combination of MGM Resorts’ world-class entertainment and technology with MLB’s data would transform the rapidly changing gambling industry. He said that the partnership further amplifies MGM’s position as the market leader in partnerships with major professional sports leagues.
MGM has now entered into three lucrative deals with major sports leagues. In May this year, the group announced a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Five months later, in October, MGM inked a deal with National Hockey League.
MGM has a strong presence in the US betting market, with casinos offering sports betting in Nevada, New Jersey and Mississippi.
The group enters 2019 with plans to conquer other states where sports betting has the chance of being legalized and regulated. One of these states is New York, where MGM recently bought a property.
