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Branded as MoheganSunCasino.com, the site is the second to make use of Resorts Internet gaming permit.
Resorts launched a self-branded online casino in February. Both sites utilize the same platform, powered by NYX Gaming.
Mohegan Sun’s iCasino is currently in a soft-launch phase, which is scheduled to continue until at least Wednesday. The site will go official once approved by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
There is certainly reason to believe that Mohegan Sun can carve out a sizable niche in New Jersey:
But there are a few challenges to overcome as well:
All things considered, Mohegan Sun should generate somewhere in the vicinity of $500k – $800k in monthly revenue by the close of 2015.
Whether the final figure sits on the bull or bear end of that scale will depend largely on Mohegan’s initial marketing push and the site’s relative promotional value (more on that below).
There are currently no plans for Mohegan Sun to launch an online poker product in New Jersey.
Instead, it appears that PokerStars will be the sole platform offering online poker under Resorts’ IGP.
As per statements made by Amaya CEO David Baazov in a 1Q15 earning call, PokerStars is on track to launch in New Jersey sometime this quarter.
It’s unclear if Resorts and Mohegan will eventually launch skins to the PokerStars offering or exactly how the properties will interact online.
The Mohegan have aligned with state legislators, union leaders and fellow Connecticut gaming tribe, the Pequots, to lobby for expanded gambling within the state.
While the bulk of their efforts thus far have been been focused on brick and mortar expansion, online gambling may factor into the conversation, especially if Mohegan’s New Jersey online casino draws increased foot traffic to Resorts’ land-based property.
In this respect, it’s conceivable that Mohegan views the New Jersey market as little more than a proof of concept for a Connecticut operation.
In terms of potential value, Mohegan’s welcome bonus (100% up to $1,000 match on first deposit) is tied for highest among New Jersey sites, with only PartyPoker and Betfair also awarding four-figure sums.
Yet, whereas PartyPoker and Betfair affix rather lofty wagering requirements to their welcome packages, Mohegan Sun sets the bar rather low – low enough that, dare I say it, even the casual gambler has a chance of acquiring house money.
In addition, it appears that VIP club points earned on the site can be utilized at Mohegan Sun’s Connecticut and Pennsylvania properties, as well as Resorts AC.