BetMGM has launched its mobile sports betting app in Puerto Rico, in partnership with Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort.Puerto Rico is the second market outside of the US mainland for BetMGM’s mobile sports betting app.
“BetMGM is ecstatic to become the first operator to deliver mobile sports betting to Puerto Rico,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt (pictured).
“This great collaboration between local officials and Casino del Mar provides a safe, responsible and entertaining product accessible from anywhere on the island,” he added.
In-person validation
As part of the BetMGM mobile app registration process, customers in Puerto Rico need to validate their identification in person at the BetMGM Sportsbook located at the Casino Del Mar resort in San Juan.
BetMGM was the first operator to debut regulated retail sports betting in Puerto Rico when it was legalised in February 2022.
In December 2022, Casino del Mar opened a permanent $3.5m sportsbook and lounge, featuring 12 self-service kiosks and five betting windows.
Sports wagering is permitted in Puerto Rico on all sporting events, including those that are professional, collegiate, Olympic, and international, as well as on esports.Sigfrido De Jesús, general manager of Casino del Mar, commented: “We are pioneers in the sports wagering industry, and we are elevating sports to the next level by developing trustworthy and user-friendly technology tools.
“Creating this technological alliance with a company of BetMGM’s caliber has allowed both Casino del Mar and the government to learn about innovation in the betting industry,” he added.
Puerto Rico betting regulation
Being a US territory, Puerto Rico is bound by US federal law.
Following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, Puerto Rico promptly took steps to legalise betting.In 2019, a resolution was passed, allowing retail sportsbooks and online betting sites to operate and provide their services to the local population.
However, the launch of the betting industry in Puerto Rico was not given immediate priority by legislators.
It wasn’t until late 2021 that lawmakers started making progress, which led BetMGM to open the first retail sportsbook in Puerto Rico in 2022.
Puerto Rico has also granted sports betting licences to Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings, with the launch of corresponding apps anticipated.
