BetMGM and Evolution Unveil Exclusive Lightning Storm Game in Ontario

BetMGM has teamed up with Evolution to launch Lightning Storm, which is hailed as the igaming supplier’s “biggest launch ever.” This exclusive debut on BetMGM’s Ontarian casino platform brings a new level of excitement to the iGaming industry.

Lightning Storm, Evolution’s latest live casino game show innovation, is set in a dark, mad scientist’s laboratory-themed studio. The game features a spinning money wheel with 39 segments offering various prizes and bonus features. BetMGM players in Ontario will be the first to experience and place bets on this thrilling new title.

“Live dealer is a key focus of our iGaming business at BetMGM. Lightning Storm brings together the social aspect of live dealers, the excitement of a game show, and the popularity of Lightning games to create a fantastic experience for our players,” stated Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content at BetMGM. “Evolution’s reputation in the live dealer vertical is unmatched and we are honoured to exclusively debut their biggest game yet.”

Martin Carlesund, CEO of Evolution, expressed high praise for Lightning Storm, calling it “some of our best work yet.” Despite a slight delay in its release, Carlesund emphasized the commitment to perfection for this game. “We have been working on Lightning Storm for a long time, and I dare say it’s some of our best work yet, building on so many things that we have learnt from previous games. I look forward to bringing it to players in the coming months,” he added.

In Evolution’s Q2 financial update, the company reported operating revenues of €508.4 million, a 15.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. EBITDA also climbed by 10.9% to €345.8 million. Revenue from live casino increased by 18% year-on-year in Q2 2024, while the RNG segment saw a modest growth of 2%.

A significant portion of the quarter’s performance was influenced by Crazy Time, Evolution’s flagship game show, which handed out over €35 million to more than 5,000 players. This payout, the largest in online casino history, contributed to a slower growth rate for the period. Carlesund noted, “Large player wins are part of the game and positive for our games’ attractiveness to players, but it does affect us through lower revenue share in the period.”

Other live casino titles that met their Q2 release dates include Balloon Race Live, Lightning Dragon Tiger Live, and Lightning Sic Bo Live. These additions further strengthen Evolution’s diverse portfolio.

BetMGM and Evolution have been expanding their operations in Ontario and across North America. In March, BetMGM introduced the Buffalo slot game, developed by Aristocrat, to its online offerings in Ontario. Additionally, Evolution subsidiary Ezugi launched its live casino content in the province, partnering with local brands like theScore Bet and BET99.

Evolution continues to enhance its North American presence, recently acquiring Livespins for approximately $7.3 million CAD. This acquisition aligns with Evolution’s strategy to broaden its live casino offerings and strengthen its market position.

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The launch of Lightning Storm by BetMGM and Evolution in Ontario marks a significant milestone in the iGaming industry. This exclusive partnership promises to deliver a unique and thrilling gaming experience to players, combining innovative game mechanics with the engaging atmosphere of a live casino show. As BetMGM and Evolution continue to expand and innovate, players can look forward to more exciting developments in the future.

Sources:

, canadiangamingbusiness.com, July 18, 2024.