Michigan Theater Sportsbook Leads to Caesars Deal

Emagine Entertainment opened the nation’s first sportsbook inside a movie theater last December. The company recently partnered with Caesars Digital, where Co-President Eric Hession (l.) said the creation of a sports lounge in a movie theater showed “ingenuity.”

Michigan Theater Sportsbook Leads to Caesars Deal

Last December, Emagine Entertainment opened the nation’s first movie-theater-based sports betting-lounge in Royal Oak, Michigan. The venture caught the attention of Caesars Entertainment and recently Caesars and Emagine announced their partnership. The venue was rebranded as Caesars Sportsbook Lounge Powered by Emagine. The theater doesn’t have a gambling license but its “Vegas-style sports lounge” offers sports fans an area to wager online.

The lounge will feature betting odds on dedicated displays and games will be broadcast on several huge screens. Amenities include a cinema sound system, heated leather recliners, individual tables and free high-speed WIFI.

Caesars Digital Co-President Eric Hession said, “We are excited about this partnership with Emagine Entertainment and applaud their ingenuity in creating a sports lounge in a movie theatre. This concept should provide an exciting environment for people to enjoy a televised sporting event and for us to connect with new customers while also rewarding our existing loyal customer base.”

Emagine Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Anthony LaVerde stated, “Our commitment to building innovative entertainment experiences for our guests led us to the creation of the sports lounge at Emagine Royal Oak. Partnering with Caesars is a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to being the most innovative theater chain in the country.” He added more locations are expected to open later this year.