BetMGM: "iGaming in North America is an evolving market and exclusive, in-house content is a major differentiator"

Online gambling history is about to be made in New Jersey, with BetMGM’s progressive jackpot at $4.4 million, the largest in the operator’s history. Players can win the progressive jackpot by playing online in New Jersey at BetMGM, Borgata, Wheel of Fortune Casino and Party Casino.

As the prize grows bigger each minute, with the chance of a lucky player hitting the jackpot at any moment, Yogonet catches up with Angus Nisbet, BetMGM’s Vice President of Gaming, to learn more about this excitement development for the brand and its implications for the legal online sector.

Moreover, in this exclusive interview, Nisbet discusses the advantages of in-house content, BetMGM's omnichannel advantage through its relationship with MGM Resorts International, and the excitement of winning a jackpot.

What can you tell us about this milestone and what it represents for both BetMGM and the wider US online gaming industry? 

It’s a milestone moment for BetMGM because we have one of the largest progressive jackpot networks in North America. This record-breaking prize (available for players in New Jersey) shows that players are really engaging with our network of progressive jackpot titles, which is particularly gratifying since these titles are created in-house.

It has been incredible for us as well as the players to see the total amount of the jackpot tick higher week by week. A winner can happen at any moment, and we can’t wait to celebrate. 

With iGaming legal in a handful of states compared to sports betting, a record-breaking jackpot this size is a landmark moment for the industry.

How does the “The Big One” progressive jackpot pool work and which games are part of it? What role does in-house produced content play here? 

Players can win the progressive jackpot on 19 titles like MGM Grand Millions and Bison Fury, which are available exclusively at BetMGM and produced in-house by Entain.

In 2023, the largest jackpot was $3 million and it was won on a $2 bet on Bison Fury. My team and I have decades of experience in iGaming and we work closely with Entain to create great content. 

iGaming in North America is an evolving market and exclusive, in-house content is a major differentiator. We are building a destination for unique games and jackpots that you can’t play anywhere else.  

We now interrupt your Friday for a #NewJersey #Jackpot update 👀 pic.twitter.com/wTut7BI9zJ

— BetMGMCasino (@BetMGMCasino) April 5, 2024

With the prize growing bigger each minute and the chance of a winner hitting the jackpot potentially happening at any moment, are you noticing a surge of player interest in BetMGM?

This has been a very successful engagement tool. Just as you see when the lottery announces a growing jackpot, we have seen an increase in play. Of course, we encourage responsible play every single day, not only when there is a record-breaking jackpot, with various in-app resources and tools to set limits.

Do you see the company’s jackpot network and the large prizes it offers as an integral part of what sets the BetMGM brand apart? 

There is a $5 million cap on the progressive jackpot so it will be won in the foreseeable future. Players have shown they love BetMGM’s in-house progressive network and our third-party progressives so we will look for ways to expand on the offerings.

BetMGM has an omnichannel advantage through our relationship with MGM Resorts International. It’s another element that sets the jackpot experience apart. We have recently launched a jackpot program that offers a luxurious trip to an MGM Resorts International property in Las Vegas or the nearest location to the winner's home for anyone who wins a jackpot exceeding $500,000.

This initiative aims to enhance the excitement of winning a jackpot, provide winners with a memorable experience and showcase our partnership with MGM.   

The thrill of winning a jackpot is an essential part of creating a memorable iGaming experience for players, along with offering a wide selection of titles, with BetMGM’s library standing at over 3,600 games. What role are these two elements set to play in BetMGM’s strategy in 2024 and beyond?

In partnership with Entain, we look to create games in-house that build on our exclusive offering. We have excellent relationships with the top suppliers in the industry and are always looking at what’s new.

A great example is our partnership with Atlantic Digital and their exclusive games like The Godfather and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Borgata Arcade puts popular arcade-style content like Slingo and Plinko under one tab and it has resonated with players.

The basis of our strategy is to listen to customers, keep building a better iGaming experience, make jackpot moments memorable and establish BetMGM as the destination for exclusive content.