Casino operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment on Wednesday launched Mohegan Digital, its interactive division, as online casino gaming and sports betting have just become legal in the company’s home state, Connecticut.
Mohegan said that its online gambling arm will “lead the charge” in the provision of “cutting-edge” digital gaming solutions to its loyal fan base and will grow the business to meet the needs of new gambling customers on a global scale.
Under an agreement the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots reached with Governor Ned Lamont in March, Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes would be able to provide sports betting and online casino services to their local players for at least ten years.
As part of their deal with the state, the two tribes agreed to pay an 18% tax on their online casino revenues in the first five years, and 20% for the next five years. Sports betting will be taxed at 13.75% on all wagers taken.
In late May, a bill authorizing online casinos and sports betting cleared its last hurdle in the state Legislature and was placed on Gov. Lamont’s desk. Connecticut’s top official signed the piece into law a few days later. It is taking effect today, July 1.
However, it should be noted that sports betting and iGaming are still at least a few months away from launch as the deal between the tribes and Gov. Lamont is also subject to federal approval and is currently being reviewed by the US Department of the Interior.
The Right Timing
Mohegan said that a priority of its new Digital division would be to create an iGaming experience for the company’s flagship property, Mohegan Sun Connecticut. The larger group has tapped Rich Roberts as President and Aviram Alroy as Vice President Product to oversee the operations of its new unit.
Commenting on the launch of their interactive division, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment President and CEO Ray Pineault said that the have seen a consistent strong growth in digital gaming across their properties, particularly over the past year, and that as legal sports betting continues to expand across the US, they thought the timing was right for them to launch Mohegan Digital.
Mr. Pineault further noted that they have made “great technological advancements in the digital space” over the years, working with industry-leading partners and that they are now looking to expand and enhance these efforts to “elevate the experience and deliver on our promise to provide world-class entertainment for our guests on a digital scale.”
Earlier this year, Mohegan opened its first casino in Nevada. Under a deal with Virgin Hotels, the hospitality business of British entrepreneur Richard Branson, the casino operator is now in charge of the gaming operations of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which opened doors in late March.
Source: Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Announces Mohegan Digital, the Brand’s Exciting Expansion into the iGaming Industry, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Newsroom, June 30, 2021
