• Loading stock data...
Sunday, January 4, 2026

MGM Prioritizes Sports Betting

  • BetMGM is a bright spot in a rough year for its parent company.
  • The company expects the app to be in 20 markets by the end of the year.
BetMGM

With the pandemic still looming, MGM is leaning further into BetMGM, its sports betting and iGaming division. 

The company was crushed by COVID’s effect on the hospitality and tourism industries, reporting losses of $448 million, with revenue down 53% year-over-year to $1.5 billion.

But BetMGM — a joint venture with U.K.-based gaming company Entain, which recently rejected an $11 billion takeover bid from MGM — has been a bright spot.

The app’s revenue increased 130% year-over-year in the last three months of 2020. Then it launched in Virginia, Michigan and Iowa last month.

BetMGM has been live in New Jersey since 2018 and was the state’s second sports betting app after DraftKings.

New Jersey handled $6 billion in sports bets in 2020, more than Nevada’s $4.3 billion handle, which was the lowest total in the state since 2015.

  • New Jersey’s mobile betting numbers soared in 2020, with about 90% of bets placed via on-the-go options.

“BetMGM gained significant market share throughout 2020 while successfully launching in seven new states,” said CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle. “We expect to be in 20 markets by the end of the year.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Imagn Images/Front Office Sports

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Drake

Drake, Stake Sued Again as Sweepstakes Apps Come Under More Scrutiny

Defendants used the platform to boost Drake’s streaming numbers, the suit claims.

Sportsbooks Sue to Stop Chicago’s New Licensing Requirement

DraftKings, FanDuel, and others are crying foul over last-minute budget additions.

Why Polymarket Has Avoided Legal Pushback So Far

Regulators have taken a wait-and-see approach since Polymarket’s U.S. relaunch.

Featured Today

Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Rob Manfred
exclusive
December 23, 2025

MLB Teams Fear League Will Pick Winners and Losers in Tech

One company under consideration was founded by a top MLB exec’s uncle.
December 23, 2025

What It Takes to Pull Off Florida’s First Outdoor NHL Game

The Rangers will face the Panthers in Miami’s first NHL Winter Classic.
Prediction markets

Prediction Markets Exploded in 2025. What Comes Next?

After 2025’s prediction-markets mania, the dust may start to settle in 2026.
Emmanuel Clase
December 26, 2025

2025 Was the Year of Sports Gambling Scandals

Gambling scandals across pro and college sports went mainstream in 2025.
December 30, 2025

ESPN Employee Didn’t Violate Rules in $1 Million DraftKings Win

ESPN researcher Mackenzie Kraemer didn’t break company rules, a source told FOS.
Sponsored

The CFP Bowl Game Tickets Everyone Wants

The second 12-team College Football Playoff is in full swing and tickets to these games are selling at a premium.
Dec 20, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andre Burakovsky (28) celebrates with center Ryan Greene (20) his goal scored in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
exclusive
December 23, 2025

Blackhawks Are First Pro Team to Make Direct Deal With Kalshi

The deal builds on Kalshi’s existing partnership with the NHL.
A view of the FanDuel Sportsbook betting area at Belterra Park Cincinnati.
December 22, 2025

FanDuel Joins Prediction-Market Fray As New App Goes Live

FanDuel Predicts is live in five states.
DraftKings
December 19, 2025

DraftKings, Coinbase Dive Into Prediction Markets in Wild Week

DraftKings Predictions offers sports-related contracts in states without legal betting.
Dec 13, 2025; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guard PJ Haggerty (4) drives around Creighton Bluejays guard Josh Dix (4) during the first half at CHI Health Center Omaha.
December 18, 2025

Kalshi Under Fire for Potential Transfer Portal Event Contracts

Polymarket has already had at least one live transfer portal market.