Mohegan Gaming becomes first land-based operator licensed in Ontario
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has become the first land-based operator to be licensed to operate an online brand in the province by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Mohegan Gaming now just needs to execute an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO) before its new online casino and sportsbook product PlayFallsview can launch.
The company formed its Mohegan Digital branch last summer. Rich Roberts, who was appointed as president of the iGaming division, will be overseeing PlayFallsview.
That name comes from Fallsview Casino Resort, which is one of two casinos owned by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation but managed and run by Connecticut-headquartered Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, along with Casino Niagara.
“We’re taking advantage of our Fallsview name, which is arguably the most recognized casino property in Ontario, and really building a product that reflects what Fallsview is, an extension of the property,” Roberts told Sports Handle. “Think of this as Fallsview in your pocket. When you leave the casino, you bring the brand with you. And the goal is for the brand to bring you back to the casino.”
Roberts hopes that the brand can officially launch this summer.
“When you get inside the 5-yard line, you find that running is a bit tricky within that position,” he added. “There is a number of things that we need to get done. We’re the first land-based operator to get licensed, so we have a number of things we have to work out with the retail counterpart that works with OLG.”
PlayFallsview’s licencing follows Mohegan Gaming selecting Kambi as its sports betting provider. The two companies already had an existing relationship through Unibet, which operates a sportsbook at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Pennsylvania.
Roberts adds that PlayFallsview is initially intended to be a complementary product for its existing retail casino customer base, rather than competing directly with the many online-focused sportsbooks already live in Ontario.
“Our goal is to give our retail customers that digital experience that they’re looking for. Whether it’s casino, table games, sportsbook, we’ll provide them with the content they want to enjoy when they’re off the property,” Roberts added.