KUALA LUMPUR (Mar 4): Genting Malaysia Bhd’s (GenM) wholly-owned subsidiary in New York has launched its mobile betting app after winning a mobile sports betting licence in November last year.

In a statement on Thursday (March 3), Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) said it had accepted its first wager in New York after launching its mobile sports betting app, named Resorts World Bet.

It said that the app was launched just in time for March Madness, the annual month-long collegiate single-elimination basketball tournament played in the US which accepts bets on the outcome of the competition.

As part of the app’s launch, RWNYC added that it had invested nearly US$1 million (RM4.18 million) in digital display installations across its property to show all of the big games throughout the year while Resorts World Catskills (RWC), run by GenM’s associate Empire Resorts Inc, offers the only in-person sports wagering in New York.

Speaking on the launch, Genting Americas East’s president, Robert DeSalvio said that RWNYC was excited to launch the mobile sports betting app, adding that it is something that its players and sports enthusiasts have wanted for a long time.

“From our experience in having a Sportsbook in both our Catskills and Las Vegas properties, we were able to take feedback from our players and deliver what New Yorkers really want in a mobile sports betting app.

“By partnering with an innovative product and technology focused company in Points Bet as our platform provider, we believe Resorts World Bet will only add to our success,” DeSalvio said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Genting Americas East’s chief marketing officer (CMO), Darlene Monzo said that the mobile sports betting app is all about providing a complete world class gaming experience and delivering the latest technology to guests and loyal customers.

“Our players trust us, and we’re excited to provide a safe way for them to place their favourite sports bets through the Resorts World Bet app, which they can do from the comfort of their couch, or in the big screen environment of Bar 360 in Queens, or Sportsbook 360 at RWC,” she added.

The New York State Gaming Commission had chosen a total of eight platform providers and nine operators for the mobile sports betting licences after a year-long selection process in November 2021.

One of those selected was GenM’s associate in New York, Empire Resorts who had entered into a joint bid consortium with technology provider Kambi Group plc to provide and maintain the mobile sports betting platforms, while Empire Resorts, along with the other gaming companies in the consortium, including Caesars Entertainment Inc and Wynn Resorts Ltd, will operate the platform similar to operating conventional casinos, according to the New York State Gaming Commission’s official website.

At midday break on Friday (March 4), GenM’s shares were down seven sen or 2.32% to trade at RM2.95, giving it a market capitalisation of RM17.52 billion. It has since returned four sen or 1.37% year-to-date from RM2.91.