Genting's Resorts World joins New York mobile sports betting as eighth operator

Genting’s Resorts World New York is launching Resorts WorldBET, its sports wagering product for the New York mobile market, the casino announced on Thursday. The sportsbook has now become the eighth to go live in the Empire State, with only Bally Bet yet to launch operations.

The product debut, which took place on Thursday, when the app successfully accepted its first wager in the state, comes just in time for March Madness. The Men's NCAA tournament -one of the biggest annual sporting events in the US- is set to draw bettors’ attention nationwide.

Resorts World New York describes the product as a “safe and fast” sports betting app and, according to a press release, its launch marks “a momentous introduction as an online betting brand and operator in the United States.” The product allows Genting, the Malaysian parent company of the Resorts World brand, to secure a presence in the largest US sports market.

"This is something our players and sports enthusiasts have wanted for a long time, and we're excited to say Resorts World New York now has mobile sports betting," said Robert DeSalvio, President, Genting Americas East. 

@resortsworldbet is LIVE! Download the app, where your first bet is risk free up to $500!📱
Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). Must be 21+ and physically in NY State to place a bet. #resortsworldnyc #rwnyc #rwbet #mobilesportsbetting #resortsworldbet pic.twitter.com/vjfkFCCdVl

— Resorts World New York (@ResortsWorldNYC) March 3, 2022

The launch took into account experience gathered through sports gaming provided at both the Resorts World Las Vegas and the Resorts World Catskills New York casinos, two other gaming venues also operated by Genting.

“We were able to take feedback from our players and deliver what New Yorkers really want in a mobile sports betting app,” DeSalvio added. “By partnering with an innovative product and technology-focused company in PointsBet as our platform provider, we believe Resorts WorldBET will only add to our success."

Sports bettors in New York can now begin playing through the application by either accessing the product’s webpage or downloading the application through their chosen app store. New members receive a risk-free bet of up to $500 as part of a launch promotion, the company explains.

The New York Gaming Commission authorized four operators —Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and Rush Street Interactive— to commence operations on market launch, on January 8, but since then three more have also gone live: BetMGM, PointsBet and WynnBET. Resorts World is now joining this lineup as eighth operator, while BallyBet has yet to join the market. 

@resortsworldbet is LIVE! Your first bet is risk free up to $500! Download here: https://t.co/qhoYOtMfHP 🏀

Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). Must be 21+ and physically in NY State to place a bet.#ResortsWorldBet #RWBet #NY #RWC #RWCatskills pic.twitter.com/yoKZ5cn0JX

— Resorts World Catskills Casino Resort (@RWCatskills) March 3, 2022

"For us, it's all about providing a complete world-class gaming experience and delivering the latest technology to our guests and loyal customers," said Darlene Monzo, Chief Marketing Officer, Genting America's East. "Our players trust us, and we're excited to provide a safe way for them to place their favorite sports bets through the Resorts WorldBET app.”

The mobile sports wagering experience, Monzo explains, allows bettors to engage in betting from the comfort of their couch. But it also works in conjunction with the “big screen environment” of Bar 360 in Queens, at Resorts World New York City, or the Sportsbook 360 amenity at Resorts World Catskills.

Additionally, as part of the app’s debut, RWNYC has invested “nearly $1 million” to install digital displays across the property, which show “all of the big games throughout the year.” Meanwhile, the Catskills casino is home to “one of the only sportsbooks” offering in-person wagering in the state.

Resorts World Catskills in New York

Genting is also sweetening the deal by offering “exclusive offers” in celebration of the app launch to its Genting Rewards members. Patrons in the loyalty program who show the app and make a minimum $25 deposit can take home free gifts, the company explains, an offer valid from March 12 to April 4.

The launch comes as gaming and hospitality giant Genting seeks to expand its presence in the US, as growing contributions from its New York and Vegas venues helped the group narrow its losses in 2021. RWNYC posted a strong operating performance since a full lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in June 2021, while RWLV saw positive cash flow, continuing to build its base of business and databases, in line with the strong recovery achieved by Nevada casinos last year.

Debuting mobile operations in New York earns the Malaysian business a presence in what has quickly become the new top market for sports betting in the US. New Yorkers wagered almost $2 billion in sports during the first 30 days of legalized mobile betting since a launch in early January, becoming the state to post the highest handle for a 30-day period.