Mohegan Digital to compliment, not cannibalize, bricks and mortar casino: Rich Roberts

July 24, 2021 12:03 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports
July 24, 2021 12:03 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports

Over the last 25 years, Mohegan Sun has staked its reputation on providing superb experiences for customers at its property in Uncasville, Connecticut. With the June 30 launch of a new igaming platform, Mohegan Digital President Rich Roberts views the new division as an extension of the brick-and-mortar casino, providing a similar customer-oriented experience.

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“How are we going to extend that brand so when (customers) leave the property, they feel confident that they’ve got this digital experience that’s going to engage them,” Roberts says of Mohegan Digital.  “It can’t be in the same way, but in a complementary way. They can have that digital experience that will bring them back to the casino experience that they enjoy so much.”

The launch of Mohegan Digital was followed by Mohegan Sun’s deal with FanDuel in early July to provide sports betting, igaming and fantasy sports at the Uncasville property. Sports betting and online gambling were legalized in the state on May 27.

Roberts admits that in any state that has online igaming and sports betting, operators need to participate.

“When we talk about an igaming platform, I think we look at how each state is set up, and we’ve seen that each state is different,” he says. “It’s not a national play, it’s a state-by-state play. And whether it’s building your own platform or, in our case, working with a great partner like FanDuel, it’s what’s best for the business.”

Roberts is not worried about online gambling taking away business from the brick-and-mortar casino. He feels that the opposite will occur — customers who try online gaming and have not been to the Mohegan Sun will eventually visit the property.

“We expect that what we’re going to offer from a digital experience will capture that audience,” Roberts says. “The rewards and the experiences that we will give them through Mohegan Digital will get them into the casino, which is ultimately where we this customer to engage and be part of the Mohegan Sun experience.”

Roberts adds that Mohegan Digital will be different from the operator’s free-to-play site, Mohegan Sun Beyond. While some of the games on the free platform may be available on Mohegan Digital, the elements between the two sites don’t necessarily transfer over.

But there will be some crossover between slots games at the brick-and-mortar casino and the igaming site, pending availability from game suppliers.

“We do know some of the classics like Monopoly and Slingo will be on the platform and in the casino,” Roberts says. “And we want to make sure the games that people enjoy the most in the casino are extended to the digital experience. But the game suppliers are going to be the ones who tell us what they’re bringing to the digital platforms.”

Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.