Game of Thrones Sets Records: BetMGM Celebrates Most Successful Game Launch Ever

When dragons fly across the reels, the cash registers ring at BetMGM. The gambling giant, a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain, has set new standards with the release of its Game of Thrones titles. What began as a test run in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Alberta evolved into the largest commercial success in the operator's history following its US launch in the third quarter of 2026. The figures tell a clear story: while many competitors fight for every single player, the power of the Game of Thrones brand attracts the masses almost by itself.

The strategy behind it is clearly defined. BetMGM is betting heavily on exclusive content and strong intellectual property (IP) to hold its own in a market that is often flooded with interchangeable slot titles. Chief Executive Officer Adam Greenblatt is visibly satisfied with the developments of recent months. He emphasized that the premiere of the new franchise titles in the US was able to build directly on the success in Canada. In particular, the technological implementation by Blueprint Gaming, including the popular Money Collect mechanic and the integration of the great houses like Stark and Lannister, seems to have struck a chord with players.

Numbers and facts

A look at the balance sheet for the third quarter of 2026 reveals the extent of the growth. BetMGM reported a 6 percent year-on-year increase in net revenue in the iGaming sector to a total of $483 million. In the same period last year, this figure was $454 million. The company's total net revenue climbed to $710 million, representing a 7 percent increase. It is noteworthy that the net gaming revenue per active user rose by 4 percent. This suggests that players are not only becoming more numerous but also more loyal and active on the platform.

Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) nearly doubled from $41 million in the third quarter of 2025 to $86 million in 2026. Despite a slight decline in monthly active users to 878,000, profitability is trending steeply upwards. Greenblatt explained this trend during the earnings call:

"A market-leading content strategy remains a key driver of our iGaming performance. During Q3, we debuted our new Game of Thrones franchise in the US following its successful Canadian rollout last quarter. This has been our most successful game launch of all time across our markets." - Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM

Background

The success of Game of Thrones is not a coincidence but the result of a long-term partnership with Blueprint Gaming, which was solidified back in April 2026. BetMGM secured exclusive rights for the Canadian market before expanding into the US. In Alberta, the newest regulated market in Canada, over 3.2 million geolocation checks were recorded in the first week after the launch on July 13, 2026. Players in Edmonton and Calgary flocked to the offering, with slot titles being a main attraction alongside sports betting for the World Cup.

In addition to the dragons from Westeros, BetMGM is already planning its next steps. For October, which the company internally refers to as Spook Month, the focus is on Halloween themes. In addition, a title based on the hit show The Traitors was recently released. Technical improvements are also on the agenda. Navigation, personalization, and platform stability are to be further optimized to maintain the lead over the competition. High-margin products such as the SideBet Jackpot, which is currently live in Michigan and West Virginia, are expected to be rolled out in other states by the end of the year.

Why it matters for German players

German players often look with envy at the huge selection of brand slots in North America. However, the legal situation in Germany under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) sets narrow limits here. While BetMGM experiments with progressive jackpots and live-stream slots in the US, these formats are strictly prohibited for online casinos in Germany. Anyone spinning slots in this country must adhere to the bet limit of a maximum of 1 euro per game round. In addition, there is a mandatory 5-second break between spins, which significantly slows down the game speed compared to the US versions.

Another important aspect is the cross-operator deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month, which is monitored via the LUGAS system. Large franchises like Game of Thrones often find their way into German GGL-licensed casinos, but their functions are usually curtailed. Progressive jackpots, such as those offered by BetMGM in Michigan, are not permitted under German law in order to protect players and minimize incentives for excessive gambling. Nevertheless, successes like this show that high-quality content can increase the attractiveness of a legal offering even under strict regulation.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL), BetMGM's success is a clear signal: quality beats quantity. In a market where marketing is restricted by strict advertising guidelines, the portfolio becomes the most important figurehead. However, operators on the whitelist must ensure that such blockbuster titles meet all German requirements, especially regarding the exclusion of table game elements in slots. Cooperation with major studios like Blueprint Gaming remains essential for the German market to keep players away from illegal black market offers without protection mechanisms.