MGM Resorts International and GVC, who united earlier this year in a 50/50 $200m venture aimed at becoming the US leader under the MGM GVC Interactive LLC banner, has announced a partnership with United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC).
The “first of its kind partnership” within both California and the Indian Community, sets a target on a potential sports betting market within the Golden State, when state law permits such activity.
This comes in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in May of this year, which subsequently enabled individual states to introduce legislation to allow sports wagering.
UAIC, operator of California’s Thunder Valley Casino Resort, has been hailed by the MGM-GVC link-up as representing “an ideal initial partner” within California, potentially providing access to the US’ largest state by population.
“We are excited to have a partner the calibre of UAIC as our first partner for MGM-GVC in Indian Country,” commented MGM president of interactive gaming, Scott Butera.
Under the terms of the partnership both MGM and GVC are to provide their brand and proprietary technology, allowing UAIC to offer retail and mobile sports betting, and online casino and poker, if and when any are permitted under state law.
Adam Greenblatt, GVC director of corporate development and strategy, commented: “We greatly admire the success the UAIC has had with its Thunder Valley Casino Resort, and look forward to adding to that success. The potential of this partnership is significant for MGM-GVC.”
For UAIC, the agreement aligns the Tribe with a “best-in-class partner” that brings “unmatched brands, databases and professional sports league partnerships,” including the recently announced partnership with the NBA.
Gene Whitehouse, chairman of UAIC, added: “It is not yet clear if California will authorise sports betting or interactive games generally, but with the overturn of PASPA possibly opening the door for sports betting, our Tribe wants to be well-situated, and this agreement with the national leader in the field does just that.”
