July 29 (Reuters) - U.S. sports-betting service BetMGM

reported an interim loss on Monday and said it expects to post a

loss in the second half of the year as well, as it ramps ups

investment in customer experience and additional marketing.

The joint venture between MGM Resorts ( MGM ) and Entain ( GMVHF )

posted a core loss of $123 million in the first half

that ended on June 30, and said its forecast for the final six

months of the year is in line with its expectations.

CEO Adam Greenblatt said, "2024 is a year of investment,

focusing on improving our customer experience and stepping up

our level of investment in players."

Gambling firms see less pressure in an improving economic

environment as customer turn more confident about spending.

BetMGM, the third-largest online gambling company by revenue

in the United States, said it expects revenue to grow in the

second half of the year and into 2025, banking on demand from

punters looking to cash in on the National Football League (NFL)

season.