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MGM Resorts International And MGM Growth Properties Complete Transaction To Acquire Empire City Casino In Yonkers, New York

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MGM Resorts International And MGM Growth Properties Complete Transaction To Acquire Empire City Casino In Yonkers, New YorkReading Time: 5 minutes

 

MGM Resorts International and MGM Growth Properties LLC announced that they have completed the transactions for the acquisition of Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York (“Empire City”). Following MGM Resorts’ acquisition of Empire City for approximately $850 million, MGP acquired the developed real property from MGM Resorts for approximately $625 million and leased it back to a subsidiary of MGM Resorts that will operate the property.

“We are pleased to welcome the 1,200 employees at Empire City Casino to the MGM Resorts family,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. “Over the past three years, we have established a meaningful presence in the northeast with Borgata in Atlantic City, MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and MGM Springfield in Western Massachusetts. With this new addition to the MGM Resorts portfolio, we have now gained a foothold in the high-density New York City region and we look forward to leveraging the MGM platform to maximize value in this evolving marketplace.”

“What’s incredibly exciting is the amount of opportunity MGM Resorts will bring to the employees at Empire City, as well as Westchester County, the city of Yonkers, and the State of New York,” said Timothy J. Rooney, President and CEO of Empire City Casino. “With destinations throughout the world, from resorts to casinos to entertainment, MGM has a tried-and-true formula for success. They know how to build and grow properties that continually raise the bar in entertainment, travel, and leisure, and we are so thrilled to leave Empire City in MGM’s capable hands. What’s more, the potential for growth at Empire City has absolutely no boundaries. MGM will truly provide Empire City employees and the property’s guests with the resources and opportunities to make the casino and track into something we haven’t even yet realized. I cannot wait to see what’s to come!”

“Today, we continue to expand MGP’s best-in-class portfolio with the acquisition of the real estate assets of Empire City, expanding our geographic footprint to the New York City metropolitan area,” said James Stewart, CEO of MGM Growth Properties. “This financially accretive transaction further diversifies our existing market-leading regional portfolio and provides us with additional growth opportunities with a Right of First Offer on any potential capital improvements in the future. This is another excellent example of the power of our partnership with MGM Resorts.”

MGM Resorts’ funded the acquisition with approximately $360 million of cash on hand, the issuance of approximately 9.4 million shares of common stock, based on a volume weighted average price of a share of the Company’s common stock for a ten-trading-day period prior to the closing date, and the assumption of approximately $246 million in indebtedness. MGM Resorts has also agreed to pay an additional $50 million if Empire City is awarded a license for live table games on or prior to December 31, 2022 and MGM Resorts accepts such license by December 31, 2024.

MGP funded the acquisition of the developed real property from MGM Resorts through the assumption of approximately $246 million of indebtedness, which was repaid with borrowings under its senior secured credit facility, and the issuance of approximately 13 million operating partnership units to MGM Resorts based upon MGP’s closing price of $29.38 as of May 25, 2018. In addition, MGM Resorts has agreed to give MGP a right of first offer with respect to certain undeveloped land adjacent to the property to the extent MGM Resorts develops additional gaming offerings and chooses to sell or transfer the property in the future.

Empire City was added to the existing Master Lease between MGM Resorts and MGP, and the initial rent payment to MGP increased by $50 million. Consistent with the Master Lease terms, 90 percent of the increased rent will be contractually fixed to grow at two percent per year until 2022, and thereafter will continue to grow provided a tenant revenue to rent ratio is met. The remaining 10 percent is payable in percentage rent.

Empire City sits on a 97-acre property and serves approximately 16 million eligible gaming customers in southern New York. It is located only 15 miles from Times Square in Manhattan. Offering gaming, racing, dining, and entertainment, Empire City features over 5,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games, multiple dining outlets, and both live and simulcast horse racing.

BofA Merrill Lynch acted as exclusive financial advisor to MGM Resorts in connection with the transaction. PJT Partners LP is acting as financial advisor to the conflicts committee of the MGP Board of Directors.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

 

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 29 unique hotel and destination gaming offerings including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. Expanding throughout the U.S. and around the world, the company acquired the operations of Empire City Casino in New York in 2019, and in 2018, opened MGM Springfield in Massachusetts, MGM COTAI in Macau, and the first Bellagio-branded hotel in Shanghai. The over 82,000 global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®.

About MGM Growth Properties

MGM Growth Properties LLC (NYSE:MGP) is one of the leading publicly traded real estate investment trusts engaged in the acquisition, ownership and leasing of large-scale destination entertainment and leisure resorts, whose diverse amenities include casino gaming, hotel, convention, dining, entertainment and retail offerings. MGP currently owns a portfolio of properties, consisting of 11 premier destination resorts in Las Vegas and elsewhere across the United States, the Park, a dining and entertainment complex which opened in April 2016, and the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in Northfield, OH. As of December 31, 2017, these properties collectively comprise approximately 27,500 hotel rooms, 2.7 million convention square footage, 150 retail outlets, 300 food and beverage outlets and 20 entertainment venues. As a growth-oriented public real estate entity, MGP expects its relationship with MGM Resorts and other entertainment providers to attractively position MGP for the acquisition of additional properties across the entertainment, hospitality and leisure industries.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements and “safe harbor statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including those described in MGM Resorts’ and MGP public filings with the SEC. MGM Resorts and MGP have based forward-looking statements on management’s current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s ability to generate future growth at Empire City. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include effects of economic conditions and market conditions in the markets in which MGM Resorts and MGP operate, competition with other destination travel locations throughout the United States and the world, the design, timing and costs of expansion projects, risks relating to international operations, permits, licenses, financings, approvals and other contingencies in connection with growth in new or existing jurisdictions and additional risks and uncertainties described in   MGM Resorts’ and MGP Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports). In providing forward-looking statements, neither MGM Resorts or MGP is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If MGM Resorts updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.

Source: MGM Resorts International; MGM Growth Properties LLC


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: MGM Resorts International And MGM Growth Properties Complete Transaction To Acquire Empire City Casino In Yonkers, New York

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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BetFury Welcomes VIP Users with up to $20,000 First-Week Rewards

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BetFury has recently set new standards for VIP communities worldwide. The platform has expanded the VIP Transfer Program, allowing players to carry over their loyalty status from other platforms and instantly unlock exclusive rewards. The first week brings an opportunity to claim up to $20,000, confirming BetFury’s position as a leader in player-focused innovation.

About VIP Transfer Program on BetFury

The program creates a direct bridge for experienced players. VIPs no longer start from zero – their loyalty is instantly recognized. A redesigned structure guarantees a smoother entry, transparent rules, and more powerful benefits. BetFury positions every VIP not simply as a player, but as a valued partner whose trust deserves premium treatment.

Core Benefits of the VIP Transfer Program

  • Personal VIP Managers ensure constant support and fast solutions.
  • VIP Transfer Manager guides the player during the first week, answering every request and ensuring their comfort.
  • Daily Chambers is a streak of special bonuses during the first week.
  • Exclusive Rewards expand the journey far beyond a trial, including a full range of permanent VIP perks.

Additionally, the VIP Club itself opens access to other unique perks:

  • Special Treats: Welcome VIP Bonus, Birthday Bonus, Personal Bonus, Bounty Bonus, Free Spins, and Promo codes.
  • Highest Bonuses: up to 25% Cashback, 10% Rakeback, Weekly, and Monthly rewards.
  • Additional Perks: early access to new features, private events, personalized profiles, exclusive chat rooms, and privileged withdrawal limits.
  • VIP Club Lounge: a dedicated hub where members track bonuses, claim rewards in one click, and communicate directly with their managers. Branded merch is also on the horizon.

Path to Super VIP Club Member

In addition to traditional ranks, the VIP Club includes the Super VIP stages. Players who remain active and reach the 15th rank achieve Super VIP status. It is reserved for the most loyal platform users. Higher levels deliver more substantial financial benefits, deeper personalization, and recognition that positions Super VIPs as the elite core of BetFury.

How to Transfer VIP Status to BetFury?

The process of joining the VIP Transfer Program eliminates unnecessary friction. Candidates follow three steps inside a straightforward interface:

  • Providing contact details: email, country, Telegram (optional).
  • Choosing the verification method: confirm your ability to be a VIP by depositing over $5,000 or sending screenshots of proof from other platforms.
  • Completing the action: the deposit occurs directly in the modal window; screenshots are uploaded securely through the same form.

The VIP support team manually checks applications and confirms eligibility. Approval unlocks immediate access to all benefits, ensuring a seamless transition to BetFury’s VIP environment.

About BetFury & Its Strategic Vision

BetFury is an ecosystem of crypto products for entertainment and additional income. The platform has gathered over 4M users for over six years of existence. BetFury offers over 8,000 Slots and 22 Original games, featuring an impressive RTP of up to 99.28%. In addition to iGaming, the platform has 80 Sports for betting. They include eSports and have odds better than the market average.

BetFury positions the VIP Transfer Program as more than just a promotional campaign. The initiative demonstrates a global strategy aimed at strengthening long-term loyalty, attracting experienced users from multiple platforms, and creating a unified VIP ecosystem with real value behind the status.

Contact

Preston

Alisia

BetFury

[email protected]

The post BetFury Welcomes VIP Users with up to $20,000 First-Week Rewards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Cloudbet maps regional betting trends in August–September 2025

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Leading crypto sportsbook and casino Cloudbet has released the first edition of Cloudbet Snapshot: Regional Crypto Betting Trends, a new series designed to track how bettors worldwide engage with their favorite sports. This inaugural snapshot, covering August to September 2025, analyzes betting activity across 12 of the most popular competitions—a curated slice from the thousands of events available on Cloudbet every day. The findings provide one of the clearest looks yet at regional betting behaviors during a peak period spanning the start of European soccer seasons, the US Open tennis championships, and the MLB playoff race.

Set against a global online gambling market valued at $87.69 billion in 2025 and forecast to hit $153.57 billion by 2030 (11.9% CAGR, Grand View Research), the results reveal a telling divide: while soccer remains the backbone of crypto betting worldwide, regional favorites like baseball, UFC, and Argentina’s Liga Profesional are reshaping the landscape.

“We took each region’s top five competitions and built a composite set to show where local favorites overlap or diverge globally,” said John, a Cloudbet spokesperson. “This snapshot gives a clean view of how bettors engage across regions, without drowning in the thousands of markets we host every day.”

Soccer dominates, but rivals (Grand Slams, MLB) break through

Globally, soccer accounted for 57.1% of activity in the sample, led by the Premier League (15.57%), La Liga (12.78%), and UEFA Champions League (10.08%). A London derby between Chelsea and Crystal Palace was among the top draws, underscoring soccer’s ability to anchor engagement across markets.

Tennis also stood tall. The US Open men’s and women’s singles combined for over 20% of activity, with high-profile matches in New York driving late-summer betting volume. MLB contributed 9.73% globally, a figure lifted by pennant-race rivalries such as Yankees v. Red Sox, which pulled bettors well beyond North America.

Regional snapshots:

  • Latin America: Copa Libertadores (8.98%) and Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) (8.53%) underlined local loyalties, with MLB making inroads at 10.89%.
  • North America: MLB towered at 22.78%, supported by college football’s return (10.62%) and UFC (10.21%). The Du Plessis v. Chimaev bout captured enough attention to rival soccer, which managed only 10.42% in the region.
  • Asia & Middle East: Soccer led, with Serie A (9.75%) joining global heavyweights, while UFC climbed to 5.98% — evidence of a growing combat-sports appetite.
  • Europe: Soccer stayed dominant, but bettors also looked to the UEFA Europa Conference League (9.93%) and US Open Women’s Singles (10.03%), showing a taste for variety alongside the main football calendar.

Figure 1 note: The chart reflects a combined set of 12 competitions drawn from each region’s top five by engagement. It is not a global “top 12,” but rather a mix of favorites that surfaced across Latin America, Asia/Middle East, North America, and Europe.

Liga Profesional de Fútbol’s surprising global reach

Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) emerged as a standout. While commanding 8.53% in Latin America, it also posted 3.59% in Europe and 3.07% in Asia/Middle East, both just nominally higher than its 3.06% in North America. Beyond diaspora ties and broadcast reach, analysts believe the LPF benefits from time-zone dynamics: evening kickoffs in South America align with late-night hours in Europe, giving bettors fresh live action after local leagues wrap up. By contrast, Copa Libertadores (8.98% in Latin America, 1.53% in North America) remains a more appointment-driven event, commanding big moments but not the same nightly presence.

“Bettors don’t switch off when the last whistle blows in London or Madrid,” said John, the Cloudbet spokesperson. “They roll straight into Buenos Aires or Montevideo, because those games are still live, the streams are cheap, and the action feels real. It’s the same reason a Yankees–Red Sox series or a UFC title fight can pull people in from outside North America — rivalries and timing matter as much as the sport itself.”

Cloudbet Snapshot methodology and context

  • Scope: 12 most engaged competitions, selected by pooling each region’s top five during August 5 – September 4, 2025.
  • Metric: Share of unique bettors per competition relative to the 12 listed, not sitewide volume.
  • Timing: Coincided with European soccer kickoffs, MLB pennant races, and the US Open.
  • Exclusions: Other competitions available on Cloudbet were not included, meaning sports like NBA, NFL, or niche leagues may be underrepresented, likely due to seasonal variability.

Full Snapshot available here: https://media.cloudbet.com/422608-cloudbet-snapshot-augusts-regional-crypto-betting-trends

For more information, users can visit Cloudbet.com.

About Cloudbet

Founded in 2013, Cloudbet is the world’s longest-running crypto casino and sportsbook. Over the past decade, players worldwide have placed millions of bets using over 40 different cryptocurrencies. In 2024, Cloudbet introduced the most generous welcome offer and loyalty program online, featuring stacked rewards and guaranteed daily cash drops for frequent bettors.

With a wide selection of slots, live casino games, and sports markets—ranging from esports to Premier League and NFL player props—Cloudbet is the leader in secure crypto betting. Users can visit Cloudbet.com; Instagram (@cloudbetofficial); Twitter/X (@Cloudbet).

Contact

Irene

[email protected]

The post Cloudbet maps regional betting trends in August–September 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Strategies that Scale: Evoplay’s Alex Malchenko on Cracking the Code of Localised iGaming Success

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Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, joins us for an exclusive conversation ahead of HIPTHER’s European Gaming Congress 2025.

Evoplay, proud Pen & Paper Sponsor of this landmark event, continues to pave the way in iGaming with pioneering content, creative game design, and strategic market expansion.

With over a decade of B2B sales experience, Alex has played a lead role in entering regulated territories, forging new Bingo and Lottery partnerships, and launching fresh business directions – making him the ideal voice to explore insights around localising content for different markets: challenges, nuances, and successful strategies.

 

Alex, with your background scaling new markets and products, what challenges have you encountered with content localisation in the iGaming space?
When we enter or grow in a new market, we look at its own specifics. In some markets, the main challenge is regulation, whether it’s strict certification rules, requirements on game content and promotions, RTP levels, or even small details like how session time is displayed. That’s why we take time to understand the rules, the culture, and what local players actually want.

One good example is our instant game Penalty Shoot-Out: Street, which we created for Brazil and its strong football culture. The challenges there were both technical and regulatory, since Latin American markets often have very different rules. In some countries, just certifying the game isn’t enough — additional RGS and RNG certificates and official confirmations are also required.

On top of that, we had to make sure the gameplay matched what players expected. With Penalty Shoot-Out: Street, we achieved this by combining fast bets, quick results, a familiar theme and the thrill of every goal, and it worked.

Another case is our Hot Triple Sevens, a worldwide-popular slot, which we’ve refreshed with new mechanics like Hold & Win. Then we re-skinned the game to suit different audiences — for example, American Sevens and Fogo do Brasil 777 — to make them resonate more with local styles and tastes.

When games are built with the right themes and mechanics for a specific market, they feel more engaging and relevant to players, which can significantly boost their appeal. That’s why localisation is something we put thought into every time, learning from experience, working with partners, testing locally and improving as we go.

 

When it comes to Evoplay approaching localisation for a new market, what are the first strategic frameworks or priorities you put in place?
In short: regulation, communication with partners, and understanding players. When entering a new market, we carefully study all aspects, analyse the situation, and build a strategy. This includes legal, commercial, marketing and financial components, among others. Of course, for a complete picture, we also look at competitors’ experience, talk extensively with local participants, and study players — sometimes launching special campaigns independently, sometimes in collaboration with partners.

In this regard, Evoplay has made significant progress this year, reaching a new level. To support this approach, we also run campaigns that help us better understand players and their preferences. For example, the Oath of Steel campaign with SlotsCalendar, featuring a shared prize pool, invited players to take part and share their feedback, which we looked at thoughtfully. Similarly, we worked on a joint game with SlotCatalog, drawing on insights from their player preference analytics. Initiatives like this give us a better sense of what players enjoy and help us shape our games for different audiences, supporting our broader approach when entering or growing in new markets.

 

Could you share an example where you had to adapt a game significantly – theme, mechanics, or language – to resonate with local players? What were the specific market nuances you had to tune into?

In our business, every game must meet regulatory requirements, and it’s normal that adapting a game for a specific market requires some extra adjustments. A good example of this is the lottery vertical, which is quite different from standard iGaming. In our business, every game must meet regulatory requirements, and it’s normal that adapting a game for a specific market requires some extra adjustments. A good example of this is the lottery vertical, which is quite different from iGaming. Here, we need to follow particular rules regarding content and promotions, along with other market-specific restrictions.

Other bright examples of our games adapted to local markets include mythology-inspired hits like Temple of Thunder II Bonus Buy and Roman Rule, as well as the previously mentioned American Sevens and Penalty Shoot-Out: Street. These games work well because everything comes together — the theme clicks with players, the visuals fit the concept, and the mechanics are engaging. I’d also highlight the simplicity of the games and their user-friendly UX/UI, which players appreciate no matter the region.

 

Operating in regulated markets obviously adds complexity. How do you strike the balance between compliance (e.g., legal, cultural mandates) and maintaining the brand’s creative integrity during localisation?
In situations like this, branded games are a good approach. Creating them involves working closely with partners, discussing details such as logos and technical settings like RTP or bet ranges.

At the same time, we like to experiment with small creative touches to see what really clicks with players. A good example is The Easter Catch slot, an updated version of our worldwide popular The Greatest Catch, especially designed for the Easter holidays. Taking this approach keeps the game flexible, meets legal and cultural requirements, and still feels like our brand. Tailoring it for the partner and their audience also makes the game more engaging and usually leads to better performance.

 

You’ve been instrumental in forging Bingo and Lottery partnerships. How does localisation differ when tailoring for those verticals versus standard casino-style titles?

First of all, I want to emphasise that Bingo and Lottery are quite different from standard iGaming. These are established verticals with their own history, unique communities, and regulatory features. The lottery market is also largely monopolised and moves at a slower pace compared to the fast-moving world of iGaming.

Some online lotteries, while offering more dynamic and engaging experiences than paper versions or traditional online formats, are subject to many restrictions. For example, design themes common in slots are often prohibited, RTP requirements differ, and other regulatory rules apply.

When it comes to trends in this area, the World Lottery Association sets the pace, and other lotteries tend to follow their lead.

Evoplay entered this sector to bring a fresh, innovative perspective, showing how classic games can be reimagined for a new generation of players and enthusiasts seeking new experiences. The projects we’re currently developing here hold great promise and add a fresh spark to this traditional space.

 

Thank you, Alex, for walking us through Evoplay’s thoughtful approach to content localisation and the art of balancing strategy with respect for local flavor. We can’t wait to hear more from you and other industry leaders live at the European Gaming Congress 2025.

 

Join us at the European Gaming Congress 2025 | 30–31 October | Warsaw

👉 Secure your spot today, network, and dive deeper into how industry leaders like Evoplay shape the future.

The post Strategies that Scale: Evoplay’s Alex Malchenko on Cracking the Code of Localised iGaming Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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