MGM Resorts International

Corporate History and Evolution

The corporate lineage of MGM Resorts International is deeply intertwined with billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian. In 1969, Kerkorian acquired a controlling stake in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio, which inspired the brand name for his casino ventures. The original MGM Grand Hotel and Casino opened on the Las Vegas Strip in 1973. The entity now known as MGM Resorts was formally established in 1986 as Grand Name Co., a subsidiary of Kerkorian's Tracinda Corporation, and was renamed MGM Grand, Inc. in 1987.

Its first major independent project was the $1 billion MGM Grand Las Vegas, which opened in December 1993 complete with a theme park that later closed in 2002. A significant early expansion was the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, developed as a joint venture and opened in January 1997. The company's growth accelerated through a series of major acquisitions in the early 2000s. In 1999, it purchased Primadonna Resorts for $276 million in stock plus $336 million in assumed debt, gaining full control of New York-New York and properties on the Nevada-California state line.

A major merger occurred in 2000 when MGM Grand acquired Mirage Resorts for $4.4 billion plus $2 billion in debt, adding properties like the Bellagio, The Mirage, and Treasure Island to its portfolio and prompting a name change to MGM Mirage. Another landmark deal came in 2005 with the $7.9 billion acquisition of Mandalay Resort Group, which gave MGM control of Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, and Circus Circus, briefly making it the world's largest gambling company. This period also saw the company shift its strategic focus from pure casino operations to large-scale real estate development, most notably with the $8 billion CityCenter project on the Las Vegas Strip. International expansion became a key priority, though with mixed results.

The company made a significant entry into the Asian market through a joint venture with Pansy Ho, securing a Macau sub-concession and opening the $1.25 billion MGM Grand Macau in December 2007. Attempts to enter the United Kingdom market in the early 2000s, including plans for several casinos and an online operation, were ultimately abandoned due to regulatory changes and competitive pressures. The company also disposed of non-core assets over time, selling properties like the Golden Nugget casinos in 2004 for $215 million and its Primm Valley Resorts in Nevada in 2007 for $400 million. A major corporate restructuring occurred in 2015 when the company split into MGM Growth Properties, a real estate investment trust, and MGM Resorts International, the operating entity.

BetMGM Joint Venture and Digital Strategy

BetMGM represents MGM Resorts International's primary vehicle for capitalizing on the legalization of online sports betting and iGaming across North America. Established as a 50/50 joint venture between MGM Resorts and British gambling operator Entain plc, BetMGM operates as a separate entity with its own management team. The venture leverages MGM's powerful brand recognition in hospitality and entertainment alongside Entain's technological expertise in digital gaming platforms. BetMGM offers online sports betting, a comprehensive online casino, and poker through its partypoker brand.

For the third quarter of 2026, BetMGM reported an iGaming contribution of over $135 million and positive online sports contribution, demonstrating the financial strength of its digital operations. The venture's performance is closely tracked through key financial and operational metrics. In Q3 2026, BetMGM generated total cash to its parent companies of $68 million. The company has provided updated revenue guidance for the full year 2026, projecting net revenues in the range of $2.9 to $3.1 billion.

Management cites disciplined execution, product improvements in speed and stability, and a strong focus on its iGaming franchise as drivers of profitable growth. BetMGM operates in a total of 31 markets across North America, which includes six combined iGaming and online sports betting markets and 25 sports betting-only markets, encompassing both online and retail operations. BetMGM maintains an active retail sportsbook presence at many MGM Resorts properties, creating a synergistic omnichannel experience for customers. Notable venues include the custom-designed BetMGM Sportsbook at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which features numerous large-screen displays for live events, and the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

The company also pursues strategic marketing partnerships to expand its reach, such as a renewed multi-year deal with Major League Baseball announced in June 2026 and a partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings to display custom sportsbook content in their sports bars across the United States. In 2024, BetMGM became the title sponsor of the PDC Premier League Darts and a training kit sponsor for Tottenham Hotspur. The venture also has partnerships with numerous professional sports leagues and teams, including the NBA, NHL, and several NFL franchises. These partnerships are designed to increase brand visibility and attract new customers to the BetMGM platform.

Operations in Canada

BetMGM's entry into the Canadian market is defined by the provincial regulatory framework that governs online gambling. The operator is currently live and legally licensed in two provinces: Ontario and Alberta. In Ontario, BetMGM Casino operates under the licence granted by iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). For Alberta, the service is offered in partnership with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

The availability is limited to these jurisdictions because Canadian gaming law delegates authority to the provinces, and BetMGM must secure licences in each province individually where it wishes to operate. The legal age for participation is 19 in Ontario and 18 in Alberta. The BetMGM Canada platform offers a comprehensive suite of online casino games tailored for real-money play. The library includes over 450 slot machine games, with more than 50 of those being progressive jackpot slots featuring titles like "Bison Fury" and "MGM Riches".

Table game enthusiasts have access to numerous digital versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. A significant draw is the live dealer studio, which streams real-time games with professional dealers 24 hours a day, offering classics like live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. The platform also features over 35 Slingo games, which blend elements of slots and bingo, and a dedicated poker arena with variants including Texas Hold'em and Three Card Poker. Customer support and responsible gambling resources are integrated into the Canadian offering.

Players in Ontario are directed to ConnexOntario for problem gambling support, accessible at 1-866-531-2600 or via text. In Alberta, the 211 service provides assistance, available by call or text. The BetMGM app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, allowing for mobile play. The company emphasizes secure transactions and promotes its help centre for resolving account or gameplay issues. The platform includes a full-service sportsbook for wagering on major leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.

Financial Performance and Market Position

MGM Resorts International maintains its position as a financial titan in the global gaming industry. In 2022, the company reported total revenue of $13.13 billion USD, cementing its status as the world's largest casino company by revenue. Its extensive portfolio includes 31 unique hotel and casino destinations worldwide, with a dense concentration of 13 resort hotels on the Las Vegas Strip alone. The company's performance is bolstered by its diverse revenue streams, which have historically included a growing proportion from non-gambling activities such as lodging, dining, retail, and entertainment, though the digital segment through BetMGM is now a critical growth driver.

The BetMGM joint venture provides a detailed window into the digital gaming sector's financials. For the third quarter of 2026, BetMGM reported strong results with disciplined execution leading to profitable growth. Key figures from that period include an iGaming contribution exceeding $135 million and a positive contribution from online sports betting. The venture distributed a total of $68 million in cash to its parent companies, MGM Resorts and Entain, during the quarter.

This cash distribution consists of parent fees for licences and services as well as excess cash above the venture's operational needs. Looking forward, BetMGM has provided specific financial guidance. The company revised its full-year 2026 net revenue outlook to a range of $2.9 to $3.1 billion. This guidance reflects the venture's confidence in its long-term trajectory while acknowledging a market with many other operators.

BetMGM's market share is tracked internally, with the company estimating its gross gaming revenue share in active markets. In June 2026, People Inc., led by Barry Diller, offered to buy the remainder of MGM Resorts it does not own in a deal valuing the business at more than $18 billion. People Inc. currently owns 26.1 percent of the company. This potential transaction shows the significant market value of MGM Resorts International as a leading global entertainment and gaming enterprise.

Commitment to Responsible Gaming

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM demonstrate a structured and funded commitment to responsible gambling initiatives, which is a critical aspect of their social licence to operate. In September 2026, the companies partnered with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). As part of this partnership, MGM Resorts and BetMGM announced a combined contribution of $320,000 to various responsible gaming causes. This funding supports research through the International Center for Responsible Gaming, provides sponsorships for state problem gambling councils, and includes a donation to the Evive Foundation, which offers digital tools and peer support.

A donation is also being made to support the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline network. A central element of their responsible gaming program is the GameSense initiative, first developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017. GameSense focuses on positive, transparent, and proactive engagement with customers about how to gamble responsibly. The program has been significantly expanded within the company's operations. MGM Resorts and BetMGM have now certified over 3,000 employees as GameSense Advisors through a comprehensive training program that extends across more than 45 company departments, including both gaming and non-gaming areas of their resorts. This training is provided to all employees to ensure a consistent understanding of responsible play principles.

The companies actively integrate responsible gaming messaging into the customer experience across multiple channels. In professional sports venues, GameSense messages are displayed on LED ribbons and scoreboards during pre-game activities at select NFL stadiums and MLB ballparks, with plans for expansion into Las Vegas's NHL and WNBA arenas. Within their digital and physical properties, reminders to "take a time-out" are promoted, often accompanied by QR codes linking to additional resources. In Las Vegas, the marquees of MGM Resorts properties feature GameSense and AGA content encouraging players to "Play Smart from the Start." This multi-faceted approach aims to normalize conversations about responsible play and provide accessible tools for those who need them.

Key Properties and Global Portfolio

MGM Resorts International's global footprint encompasses a collection of some of the most recognizable hotel and casino brands in the world. The company's portfolio includes 31 unique destinations, with a core cluster of 13 major resorts located on the Las Vegas Strip. These Las Vegas properties are not just casinos but large-scale integrated resorts featuring thousands of hotel rooms, convention space, fine dining restaurants, high-end retail, and world-class entertainment venues. The Las Vegas portfolio includes names that define the city's skyline and hospitality offering, each with a distinct theme and customer appeal.

• Bellagio: Opened by Mirage Resorts in 1998, known for its elegant Italian theme, fountains, and high-end art gallery.
• MGM Grand: One of the world's largest hotels, opened in 1993, featuring a massive casino, the KA theatre, and numerous dining venues.
• Mandalay Bay: Acquired in the 2005 merger, featuring a tropical theme, a large convention centre, and the Shark Reef aquarium.
• Park MGM: Formerly the Monte Carlo, it was renovated and rebranded to offer a more intimate, boutique hotel experience.
• The Mirage: The property that changed Las Vegas when it opened in 1989, famous for its volcano attraction.
• New York-New York: Opened in 1997, featuring a replica New York City skyline and a roller coaster.
• Luxor: An Egyptian-themed pyramid-shaped hotel acquired in the Mandalay merger.
• Excalibur: A medieval castle-themed resort catering to families and value-conscious travellers.

Beyond Las Vegas, MGM Resorts operates significant properties in other key markets across the United States. These include the MGM Grand Detroit in Michigan, the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi, the Borgata in Atlantic City, MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. Internationally, the company's presence is anchored by MGM China, with properties MGM Macau and MGM Cotai in Macau. The company also has hotels in mainland China and is developing MGM Osaka in Japan, set to open in 2030.

This diversified portfolio allows MGM Resorts to capture regional gaming demand while promoting cross-market visitation through its M life Rewards loyalty program. The company also has development projects in the United Arab Emirates, including MGM Dubai, set to open in 2028. Most U.S. properties are owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM under long-term lease agreements. This asset-light strategy allows the company to focus on operations and brand management while reducing its real estate holdings.

Major Acquisitions and Divestitures

The growth of MGM Resorts International has been fundamentally shaped by a series of large corporate transactions, each significantly altering its market position and portfolio. These deals often involved billions of dollars and reshaped the broader gaming industry. For instance, the company acquired Mirage Resorts in 2000 for a total of $4.4 billion plus $2 billion in assumed debt, gaining properties like the Bellagio and The Mirage. In 2005, it purchased Mandalay Resort Group for $7.9 billion, including $3 billion in assumed debt, which gave it control of more than half the hotel rooms on the Las Vegas Strip. The company has also divested assets, such as selling the two Golden Nugget casinos in 2004 for $215 million and the MGM Grand Darwin in 2004 for $140 million. The following table outlines some of the most significant acquisitions and sales in the company's history, detailing the year, target, value, and key assets involved.

These transactions were driven by strategic goals such as gaining market share on the Las Vegas Strip, entering new geographic regions, and streamlining the portfolio. The 2005 Mandalay merger was particularly significant, giving MGM control of over half the hotel rooms on the Strip before it was surpassed in size by the Harrah's-Caesars deal. Divestitures, like the sale of the Golden Nugget properties in 2004, allowed the company to focus capital on larger integrated resorts and international expansion efforts in markets like Macau. The sale of Treasure Island in 2009 provided needed cash during a period of financial pressure following the 2008 crisis.

BetMGM Product and Game Offerings

The BetMGM platform is designed to provide a comprehensive digital casino and sportsbook experience. Its product suite is divided into several distinct categories, each offering a wide variety of games and betting options. The company frequently updates its game library and promotes new features to keep players engaged. The following list details the primary game categories available on the BetMGM Canada platform, along with examples of what players can find in each section.

• Slot Machines: Over 450 real-money slot games, including popular titles like "Snake Rattle $ Roll", "Bison Fury", "MGM Riches", and "Atlantis".
• Jackpot Slots: More than 50 progressive jackpot slots offering the chance to win massive, accumulating prizes.
• Live Dealer Tables: Real-time streaming of classic table games with professional dealers, available 24/7 for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps.
• Table Games: Digital versions of Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, and various poker games.
• Slingo Games: Over 35 games that combine mechanics from slot machines and bingo.
• Virtual Sports: Betting on simulated football, basketball, and other sports events.
• Sportsbook: A full-service sports betting section covering major leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and soccer, as well as tennis, golf, and more.
• Poker Arena: Dedicated poker rooms featuring Texas Hold'em, Three Card Poker, and Ten Play Draw poker.

This diverse range of products caters to different player preferences, from those seeking the quick action of slots to others who prefer the strategy of table games or the engagement of live dealer interactions. The integration of the sportsbook within the same app allows customers to easily switch between casino gaming and placing wagers on live sporting events. BetMGM also provides educational blog content on its website covering topics like slot machine paylines, game rules, and money management strategies for players. The blog offers guides on the rules, bets, and odds for games like roulette and baccarat.

Questions about MGM Resorts International

Is BetMGM legal and available in Canada?

Yes, BetMGM operates legally in Canada under provincial licensing. It is currently available in two provinces: Ontario and Alberta. In Ontario, it is licensed by iGaming Ontario, and in Alberta, it operates in partnership with the AGLC. The service is not available in other Canadian provinces unless and until it secures the necessary licences from those provincial regulators. Players must be of legal age, which is 19 in Ontario and 18 in Alberta, to create an account and play for real money.

What kind of casino games does BetMGM Canada offer?

BetMGM Canada offers a vast library of online casino games. This includes over 450 slot machine games, with more than 50 being progressive jackpot slots. The platform features a full suite of table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. A major highlight is the 24/7 live dealer studio, which streams real games with professional dealers for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more. Players can also enjoy over 35 Slingo games and a dedicated poker arena with variants including Texas Hold'em and Three Card Poker.

Does BetMGM have a sportsbook for betting in Canada?

Yes, BetMGM is a full-service sports betting operator. In provinces where it is licensed, such as Ontario, it offers a comprehensive online sportsbook where customers can wager on a wide variety of sports including football, basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, and tennis. The company also operates prominent retail sportsbooks at its partner properties in the United States, like the BetMGM Sportsbook at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In Canada, the sports betting offering is integrated into the same app and platform as the online casino games.

Who owns BetMGM?

BetMGM is a 50/50 joint venture between two industry giants. It is equally owned by MGM Resorts International, the global casino and hospitality company, and Entain plc, a leading international sports betting and gaming group based in the United Kingdom. This partnership combines MGM's powerful brand and market presence in North America with Entain's advanced technology and operational expertise in digital gaming. The venture has its own management team and operates as a separate entity.

What responsible gambling tools does BetMGM provide?

BetMGM and its parent company MGM Resorts are committed to responsible gaming. They promote the GameSense program, which provides educational resources and tools for players to gamble responsibly. Features include deposit limits, time-out options, and self-exclusion. The companies fund problem gambling research and helplines, contributing $320,000 to such initiatives in 2026. In Ontario, players are directed to ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600), and in Alberta, to the 211 service. GameSense messaging is also displayed in professional sports stadiums and on the companies' digital platforms.

What are some recent developments for MGM Resorts?

Recent developments include a June 2026 buyout offer from People Inc. valuing MGM at over $18 billion. In April 2025, the company broke ground on MGM Osaka, its first integrated resort in Japan, set to open in 2030. Also in 2025, the Nevada Gaming Control Board fined MGM $8.5 million for allowing illegal bookmakers to gamble at its properties. In September 2024, MGM contracted for a $340 million solar and battery storage project to power its Las Vegas Strip casinos.

Sources and further reading

• MGM Resorts International (Wikipedia)
• BETMGM Q3 2026 BUSINESS UPDATE (investors.mgmresorts.com)
• MGM RESORTS & BETMGM COMMIT $300000 TO RESPONSIBLE ... (prnewswire.com)
• BetMGM Casino, Real Money, App Store, Apple (apps.apple.com)
• Online Casino Games, Blog, Casino & Gambling News, BetMGM (betmgm.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-10.