MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings’ Roar Digital joint venture has agreed a deal to power sports betting for Verizon Media-owned media platform Yahoo Sports.
Under the multi-year partnership, Yahoo Sports will launch real-money sports betting on its app in regulated US states next month, with all transactions to take place on the BetMGM online sports betting and gaming app.
The agreement will also establish Yahoo Sports as an official digital media sports partner of MGM Resorts, with the two parties to collaborate on content experiences, exclusive live events and promotional marketing efforts.
In addition, MGM Resorts will distribute Yahoo Sports content across its various properties and platforms, while Yahoo Sports will host multiple player events at MGM Resorts properties.
“The historic partnership with Yahoo Sports and BetMGM will change the future of fandom, providing new ways for sports fans to go beyond engaging with content and interact through commerce,” Verizon Media chief executive Guru Gowrappan said. “At Verizon Media we believe in building products that connect consumers to their passions and drive the deepest end-to-end value possible.”
Jim Murren, chairman and chief executive of MGM Resorts International, added: “This partnership marks an important moment for BetMGM in the growing US sports betting sector. Integrating Yahoo’s leading fantasy sports operations and content with BetMGM’s world-class sports betting and interactive platform uniquely positions us to drive market share and large-scale adoption among sports fans.”
Roar Digital chief executive Adam Greenblatt also said: “The Yahoo Sports app and digital sports content is enjoyed by 60m US users every month while Yahoo Fantasy Football clocks up 9bn minutes of user time every year. Together we offer fans a winning combination.”
The new deal has also attracted praise from the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League, both of which have sports betting deals in place with MGM Resorts.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said: “As sports betting continues to transform the industry, this partnership brings together the power of two trusted partners of the NBA. By working together, MGM Resorts and Yahoo Sports will offer fans unprecedented ways to engage with our games.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman added: “The expanding sports betting landscape presents exciting opportunities to increase fan engagement and leverage emerging technologies. MGM Resorts, a valued partner of the NHL, along with Yahoo, a leading media brand, will connect fans to the action on the ice in new and innovative ways.”
It comes after Roar Digital launched its BetMGM in New Jersey last month. BetMGM, which replaced the PlayMGM app that was introduced in the state by MGM in 2017, is powered by GVC’s sportsbook platform and also includes the casino and poker games previously offered through PlayMGM.