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BetMGM’s Next Big Bet: Turning Exclusivity Into Strategy

BetMGM is betting on exclusivity—new AGS slots and Lion’s Share are setting the pace for the online casino industry.

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Marc Meltzer Avatar
4 mins read
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BetMGM continues to make high-profile, exclusive partnerships. The online casino operator recently debuted a unique collaboration with AGS for Rakin’ Bacon! slot machines, which are available both online and at select MGM casinos exclusively for a limited time.

It also helped launch the first new game for The Price Is Right since 2021. The new Lion’s Share game breathes new life into one of MGM’s most iconic slot machine brands.

BetMGM hopes that creating experiences different from other online casinos will help it stand out. In a statement to the media, BetMGM Vice President of Gaming Oliver Bartlett said: “We want to set the standard for creating the most seamless experiences for players to enjoy the games they love.

The period of exclusivity reinforces our priority to be the top online casino destination where players can find the largest variety of games they can’t find anywhere else.

Rakin’ Bacon! is a fun franchise that brings big brand recognition and we are proud to collaborate with AGS to add these titles to our stellar roster of games.”

PlayUSA sat down with BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) to learn more about the partnerships and what the future might hold for original and exclusive concepts.

BetMGM is one of the few online casino operators with both land-based locations and online platforms, putting it in a unique position to connect the two experiences. Prevost said one of BetMGM’s main goals is to “connect in the physical world to the digital world.” 

The newest partnerships reflect that mindset, and the company plans to continue investing in similar opportunities.

Exclusive Rakin’ Bacon! slots hit BetMGM Online Casino first

In August, BetMGM debuted a partnership with slot and table game manufacturer AGS for exclusive Rakin’ Bacon! games across its land-based and online casinos in New Jersey and Michigan. This was the first third-party game to launch exclusively at BetMGM—both online and on-property—for a limited promotional window before becoming available elsewhere.

The Rakin’ Bacon! Jackpots Bonus Wheel and Rakin’ Bacon! Jackpot Bonus Board games were available at BetMGM Online Casino, Borgata, and MGM Grand Detroit before any other properties.

Prevost told PlayUSA this partnership inverts the traditional relationship between online and retail casinos.

“For the first time, we have actually done the transaction with an online view, and then we’ve extended it back into retail… In many cases, we are taking a land-based title, and then we’re launching it digitally.”

He said the partnership is off to a strong start and hinted that more exclusive collaborations could be announced before the end of the year.

BetMGM revives Lion’s Share on The Price Is Right

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Lion’s Share debuted on the first episode of the current season of The Price Is Right. The BetMGM-sponsored game is the first new segment introduced on the show since 2021.

The name will sound familiar to longtime MGM Resorts guests. Lion’s Share slots were at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for more than 20 years, beginning in the early 1990s. The $1 reel slot became a Vegas legend before finally hitting its $2.4 million jackpot and being retired.

While the new Lion’s Share name on The Price Is Right should resonate with older players, Prevost told PlayUSA that only two segments have been recorded so far, though that could change in the future.

BetMGM already offers several Price Is Right-themed slots, including Plinko and Cliff Hanger. Prevost said a new Lion’s Share online game, similar to what appears on TV, could be next.

There are currently no plans for a live Price Is Right game at MGM Resorts properties. However, Prevost noted that MGM’s nationwide footprint could make it a fit should the show go on tour—similar to Wheel of Fortune Live. The company could also explore ways to work with regulators to develop new gaming opportunities.

AI innovation could power BetMGM’s next online casino leap

AI was one of the most discussed topics at this year’s G2E. Panels on artificial intelligence seemed to take place every hour, reflecting the industry’s growing interest in the technology.

This is still relatively new to the casino business, but it’s expected to play a major role in the years ahead. Online casinos may be among the first to feel its impact, since they already collect massive amounts of player data.

While AI wasn’t a central topic of PlayUSA’s conversation with Prevost, he outlined how it could make the BetMGM experience more personal.

“Ultimately, we try to provide a wide range of gaming titles,” Prevost said. “We’re trying to personalize the experience to the individual customers.”

In the future, BetMGM could use AI to recommend games based on player preferences, such as volatility, reel count, or theme. The technology could eventually identify which features appeal most to each player, allowing for unprecedented personalization.

From exclusive game launches to advanced personalization, BetMGM is betting that innovation—both online and on the casino floor—will keep it ahead of the competition while getting new players to sign up for BetMGM online casino.

Marc Meltzer Avatar
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Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.

View all posts by Marc Meltzer

Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.

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