Wynn Resorts Launches iGaming App in New Jersey
Popular Nevada-based casino chain, Wynn Resorts, recently unveiled its first sportsbook app with an integrated online casino, making its foray into New Jersey’s iGaming industry. This is perhaps the quietest unveil in the history of the state!
Wynn launched the app in early August without much fanfare. After two weeks of soft testing, the business is now fully operational. It’s only accessible on smartphones at the moment, with the website under construction.
Without a physical establishment in Atlantic City, Wynn was in talks with Caesars Entertainment Corp. for a land-based partnership. The latter has quite a few properties in the area. Wynn’s online casino is the fourth such initiative, after Harrah’s, 888, and Caesar.
The Lack of Physical Casinos Spell Trouble for Wynn
Despite a stellar reputation in the Las Vegas strip, Wynn’s online casino is yet to leave a mark on the digital industry. The skepticism is justified since its current virtual portfolio only includes a free-to-play mobile slots game and Nevada Sportsbook. The former is only a promotional tool designed to lure players to Wynn’s Vegas properties with offers like free meals and stays!
Although Wynn’s sports betting app was among the first to set up shop in Nevada, it’s yet to take off. The company is further considering setting up Indiana Sportsbook and Colorado Sportsbook, closely followed by a few other states.
One significant reason behind Wynn’s sluggish entry into online gambling is the lack of physical establishments in key states. Among its six properties, five are in Las Vegas or Macau while the last one is in Encore Boston Harbor. It’s insufficient to impress the masses since Massachusetts is yet to legalize gambling. Although there have been multiple rounds of talks at the administrative level.
Wynn Resorts announced plans to set up five casinos on the Philadelphia riverfront back in 2010. But the plans were quickly scrapped in 2013, long before online gambling was legalized in the state. Whether this decision has an impact on Wynn’s online casino is anybody’s guess!
Judging by past records, the only virtual casinos successful so far in New Jersey are either online-only brands or physical casinos with an outstanding reputation. While big-brand brick-and-mortar casinos like Caesars and MGM continue trying their luck, the overall reception has been lukewarm at best.
Online Casino or Sports Betting Platform?
Despite its primary casino business, Wynn’s mobile app focuses on sports betting. There is no dedicated platform for online casinos. Instead, users can access games from a tab under the main menu. The list only includes a few slot games at the moment with the developers planning to introduce card games shortly.
Wynn’s future plans currently hide under a shroud of mystery as the company continues keeping secrets close to its chest. In fact, there were no direct announcements of the New Jersey sportsbook before the soft launch.
However, keeping market traditions in mind, Wynn likely plans to launch similar apps in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia in the near future. New Jersey is often the location of choice for budding iGaming operators due to its popularity and the relaxed laws.