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On Friday, Evolution Gaming announced its second partnership with a Michigan online gambling operator, and BetMGM is joining in on the live dealer action.
When online casinos launch in Michigan this year, it is expected that live dealer online casino games will be widely available, thanks to the agreement with BetMGM.
PointsBet, another global brand making its mark in the Great Lakes State, recently announced a similar deal with Evolution Gaming.
Michigan, being the 10th most populous state and the third largest to legalize online gambling, holds significant importance as a market for operators. BetMGM, a prominent brand formed through the collaboration of MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings, is placing substantial bets on Michigan.
Johan Nordstrom, CEO of Evolution Gaming Malta, expressed his gratitude for being selected as partners in the rapidly growing US live gaming market by BetMGM. He also mentioned that this collaboration is a seamless continuation of their current association with GVC Holdings’ brands.
Live dealer studios coming to Michigan
According to the draft regulations in Michigan, live dealer studios are required to be located within the state’s boundaries.
According to the draft rules, it is required that the gaming environment used for remote/proxy player or similar games must be situated within this state, specifically in a location that has been approved by the board.
In Pennsylvania, a similar requirement is in place, requiring Evolution to establish a studio. According to the announcement, Evolution is presently in the process of constructing a studio in PA, which is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
Live dealers were introduced in New Jersey almost three years after the launch of online casinos. It was announced that New Jersey would have live dealer services available before Michigan and Pennsylvania.
The release did not specify a specific studio location in Michigan, but it would be an obvious choice for the partnership to hold it at MGM Grand Detroit.
While you may need to sacrifice valuable floor space at Michigan’s most popular casino, the studio’s visibility among MGM’s casino visitors could compensate for this loss by promoting the new online casino product effectively.
Last month, the draft rules were made public and are scheduled to undergo a public hearing on September 23, as an integral step in the process of rulemaking.
What are live dealer online casino games?
Live dealer casino games replicate the authentic ambiance of a brick-and-mortar casino.
You are participating in a game where there is a dealer who is actively handling the game, and you have the opportunity to engage with them.
Online casino games are known for their fast-paced nature and limited interaction, while live dealer games offer a more social experience and a slower pace.
Certain players have a greater level of confidence in live dealer games due to the presence of an actual person conducting the activities, as opposed to relying on a computerized random number generator.
No word on if MGM layoffs will impact Michigan
MGM Resorts International announced on Friday that it will be implementing permanent layoffs for 18,000 employees who were previously placed on temporary furlough.
Playinmichigan contacted both MGM Grand Detroit and corporate representatives to inquire about the potential impact on Michigan employees. However, as of Friday afternoon, no response had been received. CNBC reports that MGM had a workforce of 70,000 employees at the beginning of this year.
Until September 30th, the company will provide health benefits for employees who have been placed on furlough.
