Resorts World has announced its entry into New York’s online sports betting ecosystem, which comes ten days before the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament gets underway.

The group has disclosed that its Resorts WorldBET mobile sports wagering app has successfully accepted its first wager in New York, a feat that the group says marks “a momentous introduction” as an online betting brand and operator in the US.

“This is something our players and sports enthusiasts have wanted for a long time, and we’re excited to say Resorts World New York now has mobile sports betting,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. 

“From our experience in having a sportsbook in both our Catskills and Las Vegas properties, we were able to take feedback from our players and deliver what New Yorkers really want in a mobile sports betting app. 

“By partnering with an innovative product and technology focused company in PointsBet as our platform provider, we believe Resorts WorldBET will only add to our success.”

As part of the app’s launch, Resorts World New York City has invested almost $1m to install digital displays across the property to show all of the big games throughout the year. 

“For us, it’s all about providing a complete world class gaming experience and delivering the latest technology to our guests and loyal customers,” said Darlene Monzo, Chief Marketing Officer, Genting America’s East. 

“Our players trust us, and we’re excited to provide a safe way for them to place their favorite sports bets through the Resorts WorldBET app, which they can do from the comfort of their couch, or in the big screen environment of Bar 360 in Queens, or Sportsbook 360 at Resorts World Catskills.”

Resorts World was one of nine operators that the New York State Gaming Commission approved for launch, with Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive, all debuting as the market went live at 9am on Saturday 8 January.

Furthermore, BetMGM, Wynn and PointsBet, have all since entered the fray, with Bally’s asserting that it will “launch when the product is right.”