One of the highlights of 2022 has been the arrival of sports betting in Puerto Rico. BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook have each planted a stake in the island’s sports wagering market.
Last February, Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort partnered with BetMGM. Initial bets were taken via 12 kiosks and five betting windows. But the resort just opened the BetMGM Sports Book Lounge at Casino del Mar, according to Casino.org.
BetMGM plans to roll out a mobile betting app as a complement.
Electronic sports betting hopes to grow a new portion of the entertainment industry in Puerto Rico, while at the same time, boosting the economy and adding jobs. Lawmakers are also talking about adding iGaming.
As it is, casinos in Puerto Rico are improving after the Covid-19 shutdown. Combined revenue for fiscal year 2022 grew almost 39 percent to $355 million, compared to last year. The economy only rose 14.4 percent from one year to the rest.
The new BetMGM sportsbook cost $3.5 million and added 15 full time jobs. BetMGM and a co-owner of the casino, Fahad Ghaffar, believe it will add to the entertainment offerings at the resort.
The sportsbook has 12 kiosks and four betting windows. There is also a phalanx of viewing screens. In addition, Casino del Mar has kiosks throughout the casino, available 24/7.
Casino Metro, the island’s largest casino, opened a Caesars Sportsbook December 21 with expectations to launch a mobile app in 2023.
“We are proud to launch the “MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook” brand, at Casino Metro, generating more than 30 new jobs for our workforce,” explained Ismael Vega, general manager of Casino Metro. “The foray into the world of sports betting is a natural step for our operation, which has been characterized by constant innovation.
The retail sportsbook at Casino Metro has three betting windows and 12 self-service betting kiosks The lounge will also feature more than 25 LED TVs and odds boards.
“As we pursued sports betting in Puerto Rico under its unique framework, we wanted to align with the best possible partner that would provide deep, localized knowledge of the market,” said Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital. “We found that partner in Casino Metro, which has a strong brand and customer base in the Puerto Rico market.”
MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook plans to expand to other satellite locations in local businesses throughout the commonwealth.
