One of New Jersey’s oldest online casinos, Virgin Casino, has rebranded as Monopoly Casino. The new website went live on Wednesday, October 6, marking the end of Virgin’s over 10-year run.
Although Virgin Casino was among the first online casinos in New Jersey, It has been a minor player, with less than 1% market share. That’s likely why its parent company, Bally’s Corporation, introduced a new product that aligns with the strategy of other operators like MGM International, Caesars, and DraftKings.
While Monopoly Casino is new to the US, it’s well-established internationally. It launched in the UK in 2016 and in Spain in 2020. Virgin also traces its roots to the UK, but the switch means that Bally’s believes the Monopoly brand will resonate better with US players.
What to Expect from Monopoly Casino?
As the name suggests, the new casino features many games themed after the famous board game, including several Monopoly slots:
- Epic Monopoly II
- Monopoly Big Event
- Monopoly Megaways
- Monopoly Mega Movers
- Monopoly: Money In Hand
- Monopoly: Paradise Mansion
- Monopoly: Rising Riches
Each day, users can also play the Monopoly Daily Free Parking. As the name suggests, the game is free (to be eligible, users must have deposited $10 or more). Users play on a 90-square grid with the aim to reveal hidden property cards. Each day, the player gets six picks, and their weekly progress is saved. They win free spins once they reveal a set of matching property cards.
To further immerse players in the Monopoly experience, the casino has introduced a new loyalty program, Monopoly Rewards. Each time users play, they earn Monopoly Money, which they can redeem for bonus bets.
Given the casino’s theme, we expect Monopoly Casino to add more branded games. The brand’s international sites offer games unavailable in the US, including Monopoly-themed live dealer options by Evolution, so we can hope these options eventually reach the US market.
Beyond Monopoly-themed games, the new site offers a wide range of slots, table games, and live dealer games by reputable developers like IGT, Light & Wonder, and Evolution.
Do Existing Players Need to Take Action?
Existing Virgin Casino players don’t need to re-register or take any specific steps to transition to Monopoly Casino. Most of their information will be transferred over, including:
- Login credentials
- Account balance, including deposit and withdrawal methods
- Any bonus or promotional funds
- Personal details, including verification
- Recent gameplay
- Self-exclusion
Additionally, users who prefer using the cashier cage at Bally’s Atlantic City can continue using that payment method the same way as in the past.
However, players should note that a few functions were not transferred, including their transaction history. If they need access to past transactions, they can contact customer service via phone or live chat to request a copy.
Additionally, responsible gaming tools, such as deposit or session limits, may have been automatically adjusted to align with the new system. Monopoly Casino encourages players to review their available tools or contact support if they have questions.
Rebrand Aligns With Bally’s Growth Strategy
The launch of Monopoly Casino coincided with the release of Bally’s Q3 Report. The company reported mixed results, but the positive spot was the North American Interactive division. Composed of Virgin Casino, Bally Casino, and Bally Bet online sportsbook, the segment grew 55% year-over-year.
During the Q3 Earnings Call, Bally’s CEO, Robeson Reeves, highlighted the progress the North American Interactive division is making,
This is in an active and highly productive period for Bally’s, as we continue to position the business to capitalize on its substantial long-term growth opportunities. The entire team is excited for the future and we look forward to sharing our progress in the coming quarters.
As part of its strategic refocus, Bally’s announced the sale of its Asia business to concentrate on expanding its presence in North America and Europe. While not directly stated, New Jersey appears to be a focus state for Bally’s. Concurrent with the Monopoly Casino launch, Bally’s sportsbook, Bally Bet, went live in the Garden State, marking its 11th state of operation.
The company expects to go live in three more jurisdictions in Q4, including Ontario. Furthermore, based on the Q2 Earnings Call, Bally’s expects to transition the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ontario online casino sites to the White Hat Player Account Management platform this quarter.
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