In a landmark move announced on December 4, 2024, BetMGM and Push Gaming revealed their partnership.
Push Gaming is a renowned B2B online gaming supplier. This collaboration marks Push Gaming’s first entry into Ontario through BetMGM, adding a selection of its popular slot games to BetMGM Casino and Wheel of Fortune Casino platforms.
The partnership not only expands BetMGM’s offerings in Ontario but also sets the stage for exclusive U.S. operations in 2025, pending regulatory approval.
Ontario’s iGaming Market Welcomes Push Gaming
Ontario has rapidly positioned itself as a leader in the Canadian iGaming sector since the province regulated online gambling in April 2022.
According to iGaming Ontario, wagers in the second quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year hit CAD 18 billion, with online casinos accounting for 86% of this total. This thriving market provides fertile ground for collaborations like BetMGM and Push Gaming.
The first phase of the partnership between the companies includes popular Push Gaming slots such as Retro Tapes, Big Bamboo, Razor Returns, and Wild Swarm 2. These games have proven highly appealing, blending engaging visuals with dynamic gameplay mechanics.
A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Innovation
The collaboration represents a convergence of two iGaming powerhouses: BetMGM, backed by MGM Resorts International, and Push Gaming, known for its mobile-first approach.
Despite both companies being tied to MGM Resorts ownership, Push Gaming is majority-owned by LeoVegas, an MGM Resorts subsidiary, and this is their first collaborative market entry.
BetMGM’s VP of Gaming Product & Content, Oliver Bartlett, expressed enthusiasm about partnering up with the developer, describing Push Gaming’s slots as elevating the iGaming experience for players.
With over 3,000 games already available on its Ontario platform, BetMGM and Push Gaming are set to further enhance their portfolio with innovative offerings.
Push Gaming Expands Its Global Footprint
The partnership between BetMGM and Push Gaming builds on a year of significant growth for the latter. The company has expanded into new markets, including Mexico, Spain, and Georgia, while continuing to develop its reputation as a leading slot developer.
LeoVegas’s September 2023 acquisition of Push Gaming further cemented its foothold in North America, aligning the company with BetMGM’s ambitions in the region.
Chief Business Development Officer Fiona Hickey called the alliance a proud moment for Push Gaming, emphasizing the alignment of goals between the two companies. “This collaboration gives us an amazing foothold in key regions,” she noted, highlighting the long-term potential of their combined efforts.
Looking Ahead: U.S. Expansion in 2025
While the Ontario launch marks a significant milestone, the partnership’s next phase involves exclusive U.S. operations. Set to begin in 2025, this expansion will depend on regulatory approvals but aims to establish BetMGM as Push Gaming’s exclusive partner in the United States.
The U.S. iGaming market, with its patchwork of state-specific regulations, presents opportunities and challenges for both companies.
However, the partnership’s strong foundation in Ontario positions them well for success south of the border.
Responsible Gaming at the Forefront
BetMGM’s commitment to responsible gaming remains central to its operations. The company integrates tools like GameSense, a program developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, into its platform.
GameSense provides players with resources to manage their gaming habits and promotes safe play.
This focus complements BetMGM’s existing responsible gambling measures, ensuring that its expansion into new markets prioritizes player safety alongside growth.
Ontario’s Regulations Under Scrutiny
Amid the excitement surrounding this association, Ontario’s gambling laws continue to draw attention. The province’s regulatory framework has undergone significant adjustments since the legalization of online gaming in 2022.
Recent changes, such as restrictions on celebrity endorsements in gambling advertisements, reflect efforts to address public concerns about advertising and consumer protection.
While these updates aim to create a more ethical and transparent market, they have also sparked discussions among industry stakeholders about the long-term impact on operators and players.
As BetMGM and Push Gaming establish their presence in Ontario, such regulatory shifts remain a key consideration for their strategies.
A Landmark Collaboration with Promising Horizons
The collaboration between BetMGM and Push Gaming marks a significant development in the iGaming sector, reflecting the growing collaboration between operators and developers in competitive markets like Ontario.
Through the combination of BetMGM’s established market presence with Push Gaming’s innovative approach to game development, the collaboration sets a benchmark for future partnerships in North America.
As the companies prepare for U.S. expansion, their success in Ontario will likely serve as a blueprint.
With responsible gaming initiatives, diverse offerings, and a commitment to player satisfaction, BetMGM and Push Gaming can help shape the future of iGaming in Canada and beyond.
