SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Verizon Inc digital media property Yahoo Sports has this morning confirmed that it has entered a strategic partnership with MGM Resorts to power the launch of its imminent sports betting vertical.
The agreement sees Yahoo Sports become a ‘digital media partner’ of MGM Resorts, with Verizon’s sports publisher set to launch sports betting functionalities across its Yahoo Sports app this November.
Yahoo Sports wagering transactions will be powered by the BetMGM platform, which is maintained by Roar Digital – the US 50/50 joint venture business formed by MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings.
In its statement, Verizon underlines that it views sports wagering as a ‘natural extension’ for Yahoo Sports to deliver new experiences for sports fans.
“The historic partnership with Yahoo Sports and BetMGM will change the future of fandom, providing new ways for sports fans to go beyond engaging with content and interact through commerce,” said Guru Gowrappan, CEO of Verizon Media.
“At Verizon we believe in building products that connect consumers to their passions and drive the deepest end-to-end value possible.”
Securing Verizon’s lead sports media property as a sports betting partner will be viewed as a major coup for MGM Resorts as it moves to expand Roar Digital’s product and services across legislated US states.
As the US betting landscape develops, MGM has strengthened its sports coverage output with Yahoo Sports by securing a multi-media partner servicing a diverse high engagement sports content portfolio.
“This partnership marks an important moment for BetMGM in the growing U.S. sports betting sector,” said Jim Murren Chairman of MGM Resorts.
“Integrating Yahoo’s leading fantasy sports operations and content with BetMGM’s world-class sports betting and interactive platform uniquely positions us to drive market share and large-scale adoption among sports fans.”
Targeting a November launch for Yahoo Sports new mobile wagering capacities, the new venture will be the first Roar Digital partner to benefit from MGM’s recently secured official data and branding partnerships with NBA and NHL.
“As sports betting continues to transform the industry, this partnership brings together the power of two trusted partners of the NBA,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“By working together, MGM Resorts and Yahoo Sports will offer fans unprecedented ways to engage with our games.”
