IGT has announced a new partnership with Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino to introduce online and retail sports betting in Puerto Rico. This collaboration will see IGT utilizing its PlaySports solutions to power the sports betting offerings from Ponce Plaza, located in the city of Ponce on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. The venture marks the launch of Puerto Rico’s first casino brand-led retail and mobile sportsbook, to be known as ‘PlayBets by Ponce Plaza’.
This partnership builds upon an existing relationship between IGT and Ponce Plaza, with IGT having provided gaming equipment to the establishment for several years. Ponce Plaza’s general manager Ramon Muñoz expressed pride in being the first casino operator in Puerto Rico to independently operate its own sportsbook, emphasizing the trust and familiarity that local patrons have with the establishment.
Joe Asher, president of sports betting at IGT, looks forward to supporting Ponce Plaza in delivering a multi-channel sports betting experience to fans in the region. He highlighted the proven technology and comprehensive services offered by IGT PlaySports, which will provide a valuable new player acquisition tool for Ponce Plaza and drive new customers to the property, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The agreement positions IGT alongside other major industry players in Puerto Rico, such as Caesars Entertainment, BetMGM, ZingSports, SB22, and Sportradar. Earlier this year, Caesars Entertainment and BetMGM each launched their own online sports betting platforms in the territory, while Puerto Rico-based operator ZingSports partnered with sports betting software developer SB22 and the new operator Ballers Sportsbook announced its plans to launch in collaboration with Sportradar. These partnerships and the entrance of IGT into the Puerto Rican market demonstrate the growing interest and investment in sports betting within the region.