BetMGM will bring sports betting and iGaming to Carnival cruise ships after a partnership contract. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
large scale deal
BetMGM has partnered with Carnival Corporation which will bring sports betting and iGaming to guests on cruise ships. The online gambling operator announced the new deal on Friday.
Option for guests on over 50 ships
With this new arrangement, gambling will be an option for guests on more than 50 ships that fly across the United States. It covers the ships of Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. There will be a phased rollout of these BetMGM offerings over the course of a few months.
In addition to having a range of gambling options for US-branded cruise ships in international waters, Carnival Corporation and BetMGM will work together on various types of promotional and marketing activities.
Opportunity to grow
in press release Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, announced the new partnership, saying, “We have found an ideal partner at Carnival Corporation and look forward to bringing sports betting and iGaming products to millions of passengers.” He went on to say that it is an ideal opportunity to continue expanding the operator’s footprint.
BetMGM is an online gambling operator jointly owned by the leading US casino company MGM Resorts International and the UK-based gambling group Entain.
Marty Goldman, Carnival Corporation’s Senior Vice President of Global Casino Operations, also welcomed the new arrangement, saying: “Our two leading global hospitality organizations will offer a broad range of immersive digital content as a complement to our exceptional onboard casinos.”
Cruise ships that embrace sports betting
Carnival Corporation is one of the largest leisure travel companies in the world today, owning nine of the most prominent cruise lines. In addition to North America, it also has operations throughout Asia, Europe and Australia. Gambling has always been a popular pursuit on cruise ships in international waters, with slot machines and table games popping up in casino rooms on many large ships.
BetMGM currently owns online and/or retail sportsbooks and operates in more than 20 states and online casinos and poker sites operate in select states.
There has been a limited presence of sports betting on Carnival ships so far. Last year, Princess Cruises began offering sports betting through the Ocean Sportsbook brand. The plan now is for BetMGM to replace these existing offerings.
