MGM Resorts partners with Major League Baseball

Thursday 29th of November 2018

MGM Resorts announced that it has become the first-ever "Official Gaming Partner of Major League Baseball" and "Official Entertainment Partner of Major League Baseball”—an arrangement in which MGM’s IR bid in Japan is clearly kept in mind.

According to the press release, “MGM Resorts will be identified as an MLB-Authorized Gaming Operator and utilize MLB's official statistics feed, on a non-exclusive basis, throughout its digital and live domestic sports gaming options. MLB will also make enhanced statistics available to MGM on an exclusive basis. In addition, MGM Resorts and MLB will work together on comprehensive responsible gaming measures and work to protect the integrity of the game both on and off the field.”

It adds, “In Japan, MGM Resorts will be an official partner at grassroots baseball events like the MLB Road Show. An interactive fan experience that celebrates Major League Baseball, MLB Road Show tours throughout Japan giving fans an opportunity to participate in baseball activities including batting and pitching cages, baserunning stations, virtual reality, and a baseball museum.”

The financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

Welcoming the deal, the American Gaming Association released a statement emphasizing that the partnership should be useful in helping to eliminate illegal sports betting in the United States.

In terms of the Japan IR race, MGM becomes the second international operator to include a sports-related partnership as part of its pitch. Earlier this month, Hard Rock Japan concluded an agreement to become the “Official Top Partner” of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, the local professional soccer team.