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MGM Grand is making it possible for players around the world to experience the thrill of Las Vegas casinos remotely through its new “Live From Vegas” online casino platform. MGM Resorts launched the concept earlier this year, and it is already making a notable impact — creating new jobs, attracting international tourists, and opening a fresh revenue stream.
“Live From Vegas” lets thousands of players from nearly a dozen countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Brazil, participate in live games. They include classic table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat, as well as a betting version of the popular game show Family Feud.
“You can have thousands of players at the same session, and that’s the really exciting part about all of this,” said Vik Shrestha, vice president of online gaming at MGM Resorts.
The platform aims to offer a deeply immersive experience. Games are hosted by professional presenters with whom players can chat. “You would see a very personable game presenter, and they’re going to be very engaging,” Shrestha said. Players can also see the casino floor in the background, including other guests walking by, offering a virtual taste of the Las Vegas atmosphere.
MGM has trained about 90 dealers specifically for “Live From Vegas” to support the 24/7 operation. Training lasts three to six weeks. Security is a priority, and dealers use stage names to protect their identities.
“They go through about three to six weeks of training that’s very hands-on,” Shrestha said. “Everybody has a stage name. Sometimes the stage name changes, and they’re really almost acting.”
Dealers are also trained to identify behaviors associated with problem gambling. “Not only are our team members trained on the responsible-gaming software solutions that are built in for moderation,” Shrestha said. MGM has also integrated its “GameSense” responsible-gaming program into the platform.
For now, “Live From Vegas” is not available in the United States because of regulatory barriers. MGM says it hopes that will change soon.
