MGM Is Prepared To Spend, And Spend Big In Michigan Online Gambling Market

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Written By Matt Schoch on July 10, 2020Last Updated on October 14, 2020
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On Wednesday, a high-ranking executive created quite a buzz by discussing the promising future of BetMGM in the online gambling market of the United States.

Roar Digital, the collaboration between MGM Resorts International and GVC, demonstrated its commitment by backing Kenny Alexander’s words with financial support.

This week, the chief executive of GVC Holdings increased the stakes, as the already significant Michigan sports betting market is set to open later this year.

According to Legal Sports Report, Alexander stated that there are other individuals who possess the resources to aggressively capture a larger portion of the market. He emphasized that their recent investment signifies their intention to become more assertive and competitive. He added that their ambition to become the leading market player is genuinely strong.

Michigan would be a nice first step in order to prove it.

BetMGM punching up to DraftKings, FanDuel

During a funding announcement from Roar, Alexander made the following comments.

BetMGM’s recent $250 million investment, combined with Alexander’s successful move against market leader DraftKings Sportsbook, demonstrates their determination to actively participate in the industry. With this new capital injection, Roar’s total investment for its US sports betting and online casino operations now amounts to $450 million.

FanDuel Sports’ parent company, Flutter, raised close to $1 billion last month, prompting the move. Similarly, DraftKings announced its intention to raise over $500 million through a recent stock offering.

Alexander expressed that BetMGM has ambitious goals of surpassing DraftKings and FanDuel, the current leaders in the online gambling market, within a span of five years.

In order to surpass our competitors, who are likely to invest significantly more than us, we would either need to possess extraordinary skills or they would have to be completely inept. Considering that we are not geniuses and they are not useless, we must therefore match their level of marketing investment and compete head-on.

Michigan fertile for betting market, BetMGM share

By the end of 2020, the Roar investment demonstrates that the company is progressing towards its goal of operating in 11 states.

MGM Grand Detroit launched its BetMGM Sportsbook in downtown Detroit on March 11, making Michigan one of the states where this establishment is now operational.

NBA play was suspended later that night, followed by the closure of MGM Grand five days later due to the coronavirus.

Early Michigan sports bets solid for BetMGM

However, the initial betting results yielded a positive outcome.

During the five-day period of retail sports betting in Detroit, MGM dominated the market by capturing an 82% market share, resulting in a total handle of over $485,000.

There are multiple considerations to bear in mind there.

  • Naturally, the sample size is exceptionally tiny.
  • On March 11, MGM hosted an exceptionally grand opening celebration that attracted a larger crowd than any other. The event featured prominent Detroit athletes like Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns and Jerome Bettis.
  • After MotorCity Casino launched its FanDuel Sportsbook on March 12, they were only able to offer sports betting for four days. Unfortunately, this was a significant day to overlook, considering the escalating suspension of various sports events that occurred shortly after MotorCity’s entry into the market.

However, there are other statistics in Michigan that can give BetMGM a reason for optimism. The people of Michigan are already acquainted with the brand due to MGM Grand being the preferred downtown gaming spot in the state.

Out of Michigan’s 26 casinos, MGM Grand holds the title for being the most bustling. Last year, in 2019, MGM Grand managed to generate an impressive revenue of over $623 million, which accounted for a significant 43% share of Detroit’s three-casino market.

FanDuel, DraftKings the favorites to lead the market

However, BetMGM faces a challenging journey in the online gambling sector, which is expected to far surpass traditional sports betting in terms of market size.

Although the MGM name carries weight, DraftKings and FanDuel have dedicated substantial efforts to promote their daily fantasy sports platforms during televised sporting events in Michigan over the course of several years.

In January 2020, the collective revenue generated by DraftKings and FanDuel in Michigan’s DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) amounted to $1.4 million. Conversely, the three casinos in Detroit accumulated approximately $105,000 in revenue from five days of sports betting.

In the online gambling market of New Jersey, FanDuel has maintained its position as the top contender. However, in Indiana, which shares a border with Michigan, DraftKings takes the lead.

BetMGM’s numbers are far from matching in both states.

LSR reports that BetMGM has achieved a 5% performance rate in New Jersey thus far in 2020.

On Wednesday, GVC’s CFO, Rob Wood, predicted that online sports betting leaders will eventually hold a share in the range of the 20s.

BetMGM still has a long way to go.

PointsBet made aggressive move last week

In the pursuit of catching up to DraftKings and FanDuel, BetMGM is not the only player in the race.

BetMGM is one of several potential competitors vying to reach the top tier, each striving to find the best path forward.

Last week, PointsBet made a significant move in Michigan by announcing their groundbreaking sportsbook partnership with the Detroit Tigers, an adored but underperforming MLB team.

The Australian company considers Michigan a crucial state. It will mark PointsBet’s initial foray into online casinos and their first partnership with a Native American tribal entity.

BetMGM trying to separate from the pack

Furthermore, Golden Nugget will attract a number of sports bettors through its dominant online casino brand, currently leading the market in New Jersey.

In addition to William Hill, prominent local tribal brands like Soaring Eagle and FireKeepers are also present. These casinos have invested significant marketing efforts throughout the state over the years.

What about Fox Bet? The Flutter brand could be showcased to NFL bettors in the state, who might turn to it to ease their disappointment after witnessing the Detroit Lions losing yet another game, broadcasted live on FOX and watched by millions every week.

In addition, there is a potential game-changer that Penn National Gaming is banking on: the avid followers of Barstool, affectionately known as “Stoolies.” With their support, Barstool aims to introduce an online sportsbook in Michigan, and Penn National Gaming is eagerly counting on their enthusiasm.

How can BetMGM bust through in Michigan?

There are numerous strategies that BetMGM can employ to significantly impact the Michigan market.

Executives highlighted their robust positions in four fundamental principles during Wednesday’s presentation.

  • Access to the market
  • Reaching out to customers
  • Product and technology are two essential components of any successful business. The product refers to the goods or services that a company offers to its customers. It encompasses the design, development, and production of these offerings, as well as their marketing and distribution. Technology, on the other hand, refers to the tools, techniques, and systems used to create, enhance, and deliver the product. This includes both hardware and software solutions that enable companies to improve their processes, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in the market. Both product and technology work hand in hand to drive innovation, meet customer needs, and achieve business objectives.
  • People

On Thursday, the company declared that a BetMGM-branded lounge will be established at Denver Broncos games. Perhaps Ford Field could also witness a comparable arrangement.

Additionally, there exists an untapped potential in the local pitchmen market. For instance, we can consider the inclusion of Mike Valenti, the reigning king of Detroit sports radio, who holds a strong grip on afternoon ratings at 97.1 The Ticket.

Does he seek an escape from or a supplement to the chaotic radio routine, considering the station’s situation in Entercom hell and the potential life raft of his Always Aggravated Podcast?

Could universities like Michigan or Michigan State consider forming a sportsbook union to address their athletic department budgeting challenges?

In a state where fans have access to sports gambling, numerous partnerships await to provide exciting opportunities. Perhaps fans can secure victories that the home teams have been unable to achieve.

BetMGM is eager to attract customers in the state known for its Great Lakes.

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