- BetMGM has launched a mobile horse betting app in Ohio.
- The BetMGM Horse Racing app was created in partnership with NYRA Bets
- BetMGM now plans to take the app to additional markets throughout the US.
Ohio still hasn’t worked out a plan for sports betting but they *do* have parimutuel horse racing. That’s at least partly an explanation of why BetMGM has chosen the state as the first for their new horse racing app created in partnership with NYRA Bets. The app is cleverly called the ‘BetMGM Horse Racing’ app and is available for iOS and Android. As for the timing of the launch, that likely has everything to do with the upcoming 2021 Breeders’ Cup which will be run on November 5 and 6 from California’s Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
The app sounds like a pretty slick setup for Ohio equine fans. It’ll offer thoroughbred, harness and quarter horse races from more than 200 tracks internationally complete with live streaming video coverage. In addition to the betting interface and live race coverage it’ll also provide race replays and horse racing content. There will likely also be streaming video handicapping tips and news coverage a la TVG. Here’s how the press release announcing the apps launch described its offerings:
BetMGM announced today the launch of the BetMGM Horse Racing mobile app in Ohio, setting the stage for the BetMGM Horse Racing app’s entry into additional markets nationwide. BetMGM Horse Racing allows Buckeye State customers to watch and wager on premier Thoroughbred, Harness and Quarter Horse races at more than 200 tracks around the world.
NYRA Bets is the official online wagering platform of the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and a leading provider of horse racing content in the U.S. Utilizing NYRA Bets’ capabilities, the BetMGM Horse Racing app allows customers in Ohio to place bets conveniently from home. The app features daily horse racing content, live streaming video, race replays and wagering opportunities on marquee events in the U.S. This includes the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup, as well as international events such as the Royal Ascot meet, Melbourne Cup, Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt was short and sweet with this blurb about the launch of the horse racing app:
“We’re proud to introduce BetMGM Horse Racing, our new mobile offering to the state of Ohio. In partnership with NYRA Bets, we’ve created an innovative digital experience for horse racing fans and anticipate the platform’s future launch in additional states.”
MGM Resorts owns the Northfield Park harness racing facility in Northfield, Ohio along with the adjacent casino. The company also owns the Empire City Casino and adjacent Yonkers Raceway in New York. Matt Buckley, SVP of Marketing and Operations, MGM Northfield Park, also got a quote in the press release:
“The Northfield Park harness racing grounds have been home to some of the nation’s premier races since the 1950s. Working with BetMGM to elevate harness racing throughout Ohio is a sign of our continued commitment and investment in the sport.”
BetMGM is the sports betting and online gaming subsidiary of MGM Resorts, created in a partnership with UK based Entain PLC. Here’s the explanation of the corporate breakdown:
BetMGM is a market leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM Resorts’ U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state of the art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market leading brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey.
NYRA Bets is the advanced deposit wagering platform owned and operated by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). Despite the name, it is a nationwide ADW service which is now available in over 30 US states.
