BetMGM Launches Exclusive Lightning Storm Game at Ontario Online Casino

BetMGM has launched an exclusive game from Evolution Gaming, known as Lightning Storm, at BetMGM Ontario.

Lightning Storm, a live dealer game show, features gameplay that mixes elements of roulette and big wheel games.

BetMGM Adding Exclusive Product in Crowded Ontario Market

As in roulette, players can choose numbers, winning if their numbers are hit. There are 20 numbered spaces on the wheel, as well as 19 leaf spaces.

If a player wins on a leaf bet, their bet simply pays even money. On the other hand, each of the numbers is randomly assigned to one of several bonus games that can award variable multipliers on the player’s bet when they are hit—anywhere from just two or three times the bet, up to hundreds of times the initial wager.

“Lightning Storm brings together the social aspect of live dealer, the excitement of a game show and the popularity of Lightning games to create a fantastic experience for our players,” Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM’s vice president of gaming product and content, said in a statement. 

“Evolution’s reputation in the live dealer vertical is unmatched and we are honored to exclusively debut their biggest game yet.”

Founded in 2006, Evolution is a Swedish company that has become the leader in the live dealer space for online gambling. Live dealer games are those in which a human dealer operates equipment over streaming video to determine the results of games, rather than a random number generator as in traditional games at the best online casinos in Ontario.

Some of the most interactive and engaging titles in the Evolution lineup are their game shows, which includes Lightning Storm. Similar titles from the same line include Lightning Roulette, Lightning Dice, and Lightning Lotto, which join other game shows such as Funky Time and Crazy Pachinko.

Exclusive games such as Lightning Storm could help BetMGM stand out in a crowded market. According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, there are currently 50 different operators offering 81 licensed gaming websites in the province.

Evolution Buys Las Vegas-Based Galaxy Gaming

Meanwhile, Evolution continues to grow its presence in the iGaming space. On July 18, the company announced that it had acquired Galaxy Gaming, a Las Vegas-based firm that distributes table games and technology solutions for casinos.

The acquisition, which was made by Evolution subsidiary Evolution Malta Holdings Limited, cost the company approximately $85 million in cash.

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Galaxy Gaming, which represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide unparalleled gaming experiences to our customers,” Evolution CEO Martin Carlesund said in a statement. 

“Evolution intends to retain the management and employees and also plans to operate Galaxy Gaming as a separate and independent business unit.” added Carlesund.

According to the company’s press release, the purchase is meant to strengthen Evolution’s presence in the American market and provide a land-based business that can help fuel growth for the overall company.

Not in Ontario? Check out the best online casinos in Canada.