Academy Award winner brings star power to BetMGM’s first-ever online casino commercial, bridging the gap between digital gaming and the iconic Las Vegas experience
In a dazzling combination of celebrity charm and cutting-edge gaming tech, BetMGM Casino has launched its first-ever online casino commercial featuring a Hollywood A-lister. The 30-second spot dropped on March 4, 2025 and marks the company’s first-ever online casino ad.
The highly anticipated commercial follows Foxx, 57, as he visits several iconic MGM Resorts properties, including Bellagio, ARIA Resort & Casino and MGM Grand. With each tap on the BetMGM app, Foxx lights up the legendary Las Vegas experience, showing how online play meets real-world rewards.
“When you get treated right, every moment feels like a win,” Foxx says in the commercial, summing up the BetMGM user experience philosophy while standing in a luxurious casino setting.
A Partnership Built on Star Power
This is the latest chapter in the successful partnership between Foxx and BetMGM, which began in 2020 when the Oscar and GRAMMY Award-winning actor first signed on as a brand ambassador. Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer at BetMGM, said: “Jamie Foxx is a superstar and a key part of how we showcase the best of BetMGM. This spot shows BetMGM’s major differentiator of online and in-person casino experiences.”
Foxx himself was happy with the partnership and the final product. “BetMGM has been a great company to work with over the past few years, and creating this new commercial for their online casino was no exception. I love how it turned out,” he said in the press release.
Bringing it to Life
The creative vision for “Vegas Lights” was brought to life by BetMGM’s agency of record, Highdive, with direction from the acclaimed directing duo The Malloys and Superprime. Renowned cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth added to the commercial’s cinematic feel. Mark Gross, Highdive Co-Founder and Co-Chief Creative Officer: “No one lights up Vegas like BetMGM and Jamie Foxx. Our new ‘Vegas Lights’ spot shows how BetMGM Casino and its real-life connection to Vegas can make every moment feel like a win.”
AJ Mazza, Brand Director for BetMGM: “Jamie is a great ambassador and opens up so many ways to express our brand. He was a blast on set and an honor to work with him.”
Bridging Virtual and Physical Gaming Experiences
What sets the “Vegas Lights” campaign apart from traditional online casino ads is the emphasis on the connection between digital gameplay and physical rewards. The commercial shows how BetMGM customers can earn real show tickets and resort stays through their online gaming.
This addresses a common complaint about online gambling platforms—the lack of the immersive experience you get from a brick-and-mortar casino. By having Foxx activate real Vegas experiences through the BetMGM app, the company is positioning itself as a hybrid offering that gives you the convenience of mobile gaming without sacrificing the Vegas entertainment.
Market Expansion and Responsible Gaming
The “Vegas Lights” commercial will run in the five markets where BetMGM Casino currently operates: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. This is because online casino gaming is continuing to grow across North America.
In 2024 alone, BetMGM paid out $128.5 million in progressive jackpots to online casino players. That’s how popular and profitable their digital gaming platform is.
As they expand their offerings, BetMGM is committed to responsible gaming. They’ve integrated GameSense, the industry-leading responsible gambling program from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, into their mobile and desktop platforms. So, customers can access the same responsible gambling resources they would find at MGM Resort properties nationwide.
The Future of Digital Casino Gaming
The “Vegas Lights” campaign is more than just a new ad—it’s BetMGM’s declaration of war on the online casino landscape. By harnessing Foxx’s universal appeal and “undeniable energy” (as Hurbis calls it), they’re going after both seasoned gamblers and newbies to join their digital platform.
BetMGM has an extensive library of games, including slots, table games and live dealer. Their mobile apps on iOS and Android let you play anywhere, anytime in the states where online gambling is legal.
As the lines between digital and physical entertainment continue to blur, BetMGM’s partnership with Foxx and their marketing approach puts them at the forefront of it all. The “Vegas Lights” campaign says the magic of Vegas is no longer just on the Strip—it’s in your pocket through the BetMGM app. With this ad, BetMGM isn’t just promoting an app, they’re selling an experience, a connection to the Vegas glamour and excitement all through the charm of Jamie Foxx and their digital casino technology.
As Foxx says, “tap into that magic” of BetMGM Casino, the message is clear: the Vegas lights are now in your pocket, and all the rewards, excitement and entertainment of the real thing are just a tap away.
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