By Alan Snel
LVSportsBiz.com
Global sports bar franchise Buffalo Wild Wings is joining forces with Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International and MGM Resorts’ sports betting venture Roar Digital to enhance sports gambling experiences for fans through MGM’s digital gaming platform, BetMGM.
The MGM Resort partnership with America’s largest sports bar chain is consistent with the hotel/gambling/entertainment company’s strategy of growing sports betting operations through business alliances with sports leagues like the NHL, NBA and MLB and companies like Buffalo Wild Wings.
Select Buffalo Wild Wings sports bars nationwide will begin showcasing custom sports book content on TV screens inside the sports bars this football season, featuring live odds provided by BetMGM.
Also, at least three new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants are set to open in MGM properties or in partnership with BetMGM – and the first is expected to open in mid-2020 inside Mandalay Bay hotel/casino, which is near the site of the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium scheduled to be ready for the 2020 NFL season.
According to a media release Thursday, partnership highlights include a free-to-play game available nationwide, sports betting tests in New Jersey (where mobile gambling is currently legal), as well as the expanded presence for BWW sports bars in MGM casino properties.
The alignment between Buffalo Wild Wings and MGM Resorts/Roar is about trying to capitalize on future business opportunities as more states pass sports betting legislation. Here’s a look at the partnership:
- “PICKS AND PROPS” FREE-TO-PLAY GAME: Beginning Thurs, Sept. 5, the free-to-play mobile-only football game, Picks and Props, will be available nationwide. Picks and Props offers a sports betting-like experience with no stakes attached – users still have the potential to win big prizes like trips to Vegas to place a parlay bet for the Big Game that could pay out a million bucks, or to Borgata in New Jersey to compete in the first BetMGM sports betting competition. To play, download the Blazin’ Rewards app, then make game picks based on the spread, answer prop questions and choose top fantasy performers for the week.
- NJ SPORTS BETTING TEST: Buffalo Wild Wings and BetMGM will collaborate on a sports betting test program in New Jersey later this year. The program will give consumers exclusive perks (such as enhanced odds and free bets) when the BetMGM app is accessed inside a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. The goal is to expand the program to additional states as legislation allows.
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