Popular Gambling Entities That Sponsor American Sports Teams

The regulation of American sports betting has changed in recent years, primarily due to a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court in May 2018. The court ruled in favor of New Jersey in the case of Murphy v. NCAA, striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. This decision opened the floodgates for states to legalize sports betting within their borders.

Before the Supreme Court ruling, sports betting was largely restricted to Nevada, with a few exceptions like limited sports lotteries in other states. However, after the ruling, individual states gained the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting as they saw fit. Entrepreneurs rushed to start their own sportsbook, while well-established sponsors dashed to sports teams.

Biggest Gambling Sponsors

Several gambling entities have established partnerships and sponsorships with American sports teams across various leagues:

FanDuel

FanDuel is a prominent online sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) company that provides users with opportunities to engage in sports betting, fantasy sports contests, and other gaming activities. Founded in 2009, FanDuel has grown into one of the leading brands in the sports betting industry, particularly in the United States.

Partnerships:

MLS: DC United;

NBA: Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors;

NFL: Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns;

NHL: Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs;

WNBA: New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun.

Caesars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment is a leading casino-entertainment company that operates resorts, casinos, and other hospitality venues in various locations around the world. Founded in 1937, Caesars Entertainment has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable brands in the gaming and entertainment industry.

Partnerships:

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets;

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies;

NFL: Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles;

NHL: New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals;

WNBA: Washington Mystics.

BetMGM

BetMGM is like one of those white label sportsbook solutions that offer betting options across football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, and more. BetMGM allows users to place bets on different types of sports events, including pre-match and live in-play betting. BetMGM operates in several markets, including the United States.

Partnerships:

MLB: Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates;

Nascar: Richard Childress Racing;

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers;

NFL: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans.

DraftKings

DraftKings is an online sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) company. The company operates a daily fantasy sports platform where users can participate in DFS contests across a wide range of sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA Tour, and more. In addition to DFS, DraftKings offers a sports betting platform for users to place bets on sports events.

Partnerships:

MLB: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies;

Nascar: 23XI Racing;

NBA: Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks;

NFL: Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers;

NHL: Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers.

Why Do Gambling Providers Sponsor American Sport?

First and foremost, partnering with sports teams provides gambling entities with significant brand exposure. Stadium signage, jersey patches, and other promotional materials prominently display the sponsor's logo, reaching a wide audience of fans both at the venue and through televised broadcasts.

Also, let’s not forget that sports fans are highly engaged and passionate about their favorite teams. By associating their brand with popular teams, providers can effectively engage with fans and create positive brand associations.

Even more than that sponsorship of sports teams allows gambling companies to expand their market reach and attract new customers. Sports fans who may not have previously engaged with sports betting, or online gaming may be introduced to these activities through sponsorship initiatives.

Besides, partnering with reputable sports teams can enhance the legitimacy and credibility of gambling entities, particularly in regions where sports betting is newly legalized or facing regulatory scrutiny. Aligning with established sports franchises can help mitigate concerns about the integrity of the industry.

Collaboration with sports teams can also lead to strategic partnerships that benefit both parties. Gambling entities may gain access to exclusive content, fan engagement opportunities, and promotional channels, while sports teams receive financial support and resources to enhance their operations.

Last but not least, sponsorship deals provide teams with additional revenue streams, helping them to finance player salaries, facility upgrades, and other expenses. Gambling providers often present lucrative sponsorship packages, making them attractive partners for sports organizations.

Overall, sponsorship of American sports teams by gambling entities represents a mutually beneficial arrangement that employs the popularity of sports to promote brands, engage audiences, and drive revenue growth.