BetMGM asks Nevada regulators for additional year on sportsbook takeover

BetMGM has requested an additional year to finalize the transfer of nine Las Vegas retail sportsbooks from MGM Resorts International, citing the need to manage the change during a slower sports betting period and minimize disruption to customers.

The Nevada Gaming Commission in February approved BetMGM — a joint venture between MGM and Entain — for licensing as a manufacturer, sports information distributor, and later as an information technology provider. That license allowed involvement in race and sports operations at MRI properties. Concerns regarding MRI’s role led BetMGM to seek additional licensing as a specific employee classification so it could participate more directly in the operations.

The arrangement permitted BetMGM to run the sportsbooks at nine MGM casinos in Las Vegas, with a six-month period to complete the transition ahead of the football season.

Scott Scherer, outside counsel for BetMGM, told the Nevada Gaming Control Board that the process has taken longer than expected, reports CDC Gaming.

“Unfortunately, it took a little longer to make that transition to BetMGM taking over as a key employee,” Scherer told officials. He said the company is assessing whether this licensing status meets operational and regulatory requirements and whether avoiding a full transfer now could reduce potential disruption.

“We’re asking for a one-year extension, so if we ultimately make that transition, it will be a slow time period for the sports betting industry to minimize that disruption,” Scherer said.

Gaming Control Board Chair Mike Dreitzer said he supported granting the waiver, citing the scope of the process, but asked whether a year would be enough to reach a decision. “Can you learn everything you need to within a year?” Dreitzer said.

Scherer said BetMGM has already been acting as a key employee for several months and that an additional year would be sufficient.

Joshua Wyseman, BetMGM’s director of licensing, said the company has been evaluating the division of responsibilities between BetMGM and MRI staff and identifying potential operational issues in taking over the sportsbooks.

Scherer noted that internal controls remain a central focus. The earliest potential full transition would be after the 2026 NBA season, when sportsbook activity typically slows. He said switching all nine properties could take one to two days and that extending the process would likely increase customer disruption.

He added that trading operations would change if BetMGM became the operator, as MRI’s lead trader would not be required. He noted the companies are working well together under the current setup, which could influence the final decision.

Scherer said some long-serving MGM employees prefer to remain with MRI, and that retaining experienced staff is an important factor in determining whether to proceed with the full transfer.

Board member George Assad said the request for an additional year appeared reasonable, noting that baseball season is generally slower for sportsbooks.

The Nevada Gaming Commission is expected to decide on the extension request at its Aug. 21 meeting.