New US sports betting operations

Sports betting operations continue to grow across the United States. In Colorado, IGT has teamed up with Maverick Gaming to launch retail sportsbooks and online betting via Play Maverick Sports. In Iowa, Bally’s Corporation just announced a new deal with Elite Casino Resorts. Bally’s will offer mobile sports betting in the state thanks to Elite’s Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort’s gaming license.

IGT will focus its efforts in Colorado on both mobile and land-based sports betting. Bally’s plans to offer mobile-only at this time, as it does not have a brick-and-mortar casino Iowa.

Play Maverick Sports

IGT will use its PlaySports platform to offer retail sports betting at three casinos owned by Maverick Gaming in Colorado. Per the multi-year agreement, IGT will install self-service PlaySports kiosks at the Z Casino, Grand Z Casino, and Johnny Z’s Casino.

engage new players and enhance the company’s portfolio

For online sports betting services, players can access content via the Play Maverick Sports mobile application. Maverick Gaming chief operating officer Justin Beltram commented on the new deal, stating that IGT’s PlaySports technology will allow Play Maverick Sports to engage new players and enhance the company’s portfolio.

IGT PlayDigital senior vice president Enrico Drago said that his company will use its experience and expertise to help fuel the success of Maverick Gaming’s sports betting venture in Colorado.

The new deal comes just days after IGT announced a new lottery supply deal in Nebraska. The company will be the premier lottery vendor for the state’s instant and draw-based games. IGT will upgrade the lottery’s draw systems and supply equipment to 1,200 retail locations.

Bally’s going mobile in Iowa

Bally’s Corporation’s new multi-year market access deal with Elite Casino Resorts allows the company to piggyback on Elite’s Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort’s license to offer mobile sports betting in Iowa.

Bally’s will use the Bet.Works sports betting technology platform to power its services in the state. The company recently signed an agreement to acquire the platform for $125m. Bet.Works offers software, platforms, omni-channel products, and content solutions for operators in several states. Iowa will be the latest addition.

Bally’s Corporation president and chief executive officer George Papanier commented on the new deal, stating the company is delighted to partner with Elite Casino Resorts.

“Entering the Iowa gaming market with our new, integrated sports betting and iGaming company is very exciting, and we look forward to the launch in 2021,” he said.

Sports betting is growing rapidly in Iowa. Just last month, William Hill announced the launch of sports wagering via a deal with Caesars Entertainment. Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs now provides full-service sports betting, while Harrah’s Council Bluffs has installed betting kiosks for self-service wagering.